The Canisius College men's soccer team posted a 2-0 win at first-place Iona on Saturday afternoon, earning its first regular-season victory against the Gaels in 10 years. With the win, the Griffs improve to 7-3-2 on the season and 2-1-1 in MAAC play, while the Gaels suffer their first conference loss of the year and fall to 6-4-2 and 3-1-0 against league foes.
“This was a very important win at this stage in the conference season over a very good Iona team,” said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. “I thought our team defense was excellent today and we managed the game very well in the closing stages.”
Senior Asani Samuels and junior Chris Berardi both scored for the second-straight game, while junior Andrew Coughlin recorded three saves in the shutout. With his three stops, Coughlin posted his fifth shutout of the season and established a new school record.
The Griffs opened the scoring in the contest when Samuels netted his team-best sixth goal of the season on a counter-attack. Senior Pat Colon crossed the ball to his classmate, who finished from 10 yards out in the left corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Canisius then doubled its advantage to two in the 65th minute of play. Senior forward Derek Maier was brought down in the box and Berardi took advantage with his second goal of the season from the penalty spot.
The two goals was more than enough for Coughlin and the Canisius defense as the team held strong on the back and did not allow a single shot on goal in the second half for the 2-0 victory.
Iona finished the game with a slight edge in shots, 14-11, while the Griffs held the advantage in shots on goal, 7-3. Julian Petrello recorded five saves in defeat for the Gaels.
Canisius looks to continue its winning ways in conference action with a road contest at Siena on Wednesday. Kickoff in Loudonville, N.Y. is set for 3 p.m.
Game Notes: The Griffs had lost their last nine regular-season games to Iona and the last six games overall … Canisius held Iona without a goal after the Gaels had averaged 2.44 goals per game during the nine-game regular-season winning streak … The Griffs won back-to-back MAAC games for the first time since 2009 … After playing in nine-straight games decided by one goal or fewer, Canisius has won each of its last two games by at least two goals … The previous standard of four shutouts was set eight times prior to Coughlin surpassing the mark … Iona entered the week ranked fifth in the latest NSCAA Northeast Regional poll, while the Griffs were ninth.
