Despite failing to maintian a 1-0 lead, the Saint Peter's University men's soccer team nearly pulled off the comeback against Iona College after a late second half goal by Andrew Kelly to bring the hosts within one. The Peacocks trailed 3-1 heading into the final five minutes of regulation until Kelly scored the hosts' second marker of the game, before time expired to give Iona the win. With the loss, the Peacocks drop to 3-10 overall, 1-3 in MAAC play, while the Gaels improve to 4-9 and remain undefeated (3-0) in conference action.
Saint Peter's jumped out to a 1-0 advantage just 13 minutes into the first half. Junior defender AJ Johnson took a throw in from the 25 yard line and found Andrew Kelly in the box who headed the ball to Betim Bajrami. Bajrami proceeded to connect on his second goal in as many games.
The Gaels quickly responded and evened the match at 1-1 less than three minutes later, as Robbie Krohmer scored on the assist from Alvaro Torrecilla. Iona added the go-ahead goal in the last five minutes of the first half on a marker by Douglas Stephens.
Stephens netted his second winner of the match at 65:04 to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
The Peacocks took just one shot in the second stanza, which resulted in a goal by Andrew Kelly, assisted by Marcel Maddee (86:19).
For the match, Iona out-shot Saint Peter's 11-9, while the Peacocks had the advantage on corner kicks, 10-2. Saint Peter's committed 20 fouls in the contest while the Gaels were called for 10.
Carlos Suarez managed 3 saves in the loss in goal, while Gaels' keeper Borja Barbero needed just 2 stops for the win.
The Peacocks return to action next Saturday for their third straight home match against Manhattan College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm.
