NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College men's soccer team closed out a 2-0 homestand with a 2-1 victory over Saint Joseph's at Mazzella Field.  The Gaels will begin Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play against Rider on Sep. 30 having posted a 7-1 record against non-league opponents.
Iona's first goal of the afternoon came off the foot of Franklin Castellanos, who netted a free kick from 15-20 yards out in the 8th minute.  Rookie Brais Garcia added another as the first half was winding down.  Saint Joseph's (1-4) goalkeeper Andrew D'Ottavi stretched to his left to save a shot by Douglas Stephens but couldn't keep a handle on the ball.  Garcia collected the rebound and directed it into the goal for his first career tally in the 43rd minute.
The Hawks cut the Gael lead in half midway through the second period.  In the 75th minute, Alex Critzos shot a high kick into the right corner of the net on an assist from Greg Rom, leading to the 2-1 final.
Iona controlled the match with a 23-9 shot advantage.  Netminder Borja Barbero recorded two saves while D'Ottavi ended the day with six.  Sophomore Samuel Adjei led all players with seven shot attempts.