FAIRFIELD, Conn. - It was a match full of lively defense and effort in the Sacred Heart University men's soccer team's draw versus the Iona Gaels in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play on Wednesday evening at Park Ave Field.
Records:
Sacred Heart (7-3-4) (6-0-2 MAAC)
Iona (6-3-5) (4-1-3 MAAC)
Top Performers:
Luca Marinelli- 7 saves
Ivan Morcillo- 2 shots on goal
Javier Lopez Cayuela - 1 shot on goal
Between the Pipes:
SHU: Luca Marinelli (T 7-1-3) - 0 goals-against | 7 saves
IONA: Fernando Alves Schmelz- 0 goals-against | 5 saves
How it Happened:
In the 22nd minute, Iona's Alvaro Maneiro tested Luca Marinelli with a shot right at him, marking the keeper's first save of the night. Just a minute later, Maneiro struck again—this time high and to the right—forcing Marinelli to make an athletic stop. Fast forward to the 43rd minute, and once again Maneiro challenged Marinelli, who came up with his third save of the half.
In the second half, the Pioneers' offense began to find its rhythm. In the 58th minute, Danny Istambouli fired the team's first shot on goal, but Iona's Fernando Alves Schmelz was there for the save. The best chance of the night came in the 83rd minute when Ivan Morcillo broke free for a one-on-one chance against the keeper, but his right-footed strike was denied, keeping the match level.
Marinelli came up big once more in the 88th minute, making a full-extension, match-saving stop to shut down the Gaels and secure the draw.
Of Note:
- Marinelli had a season-high seven saves.
- Pios clinch a spot in the MAAC Tournament.
Up Next:
Sacred Heart will travel to Rider for its last regular season road match Saturday, Nov. 1st at 1:00 PM.
