LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Iona's Myla Rodrigues knocked in a loose ball off a set piece in the 49^th minute as the Gaels defeated the Rider University women's soccer team, 1-0, Wednesday night on Ben Cohen Field. With the loss, the Broncs fall to 5-4-2 (2-2-0 MAAC), while the Gaels improve to 7-3-3 (2-2-0 MAAC).

Following a scoreless first half, the Gaels were awarded a free kick along the goal line to the left side. Though the ball was initially batted around and knocked out by Rider goalkeeper Ellie Sciancalepore (Randolph, NJ/Randolph), Rodrigues collected the loose ball eight yards directly in front of the net and shot it underneath the crossbar for what proved to be the game-winning goal.

The Broncs developed chances in the final 20 minutes, but Gaels goalkeeper Emma Havrilla and the Iona defense were equal to the challenge in preserving the shutout. Ailis Martin (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) and Makenzie Rodrigues (Seattle, WA/Forest Ridge) had shots saved by Havrilla, while Hailey Russell (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) sent a shot just over the crossbar. 

Quotes and Notes
"I think it was a close game. I don't think it was anything in particular that they did or we didn't do. But when you've got two players of equal levels, they tend to neutralize each other. We've given them a goal off the second phase of a corner, which is an error on our part. And that's the difference maker. An error is the difference between winning and losing for me." – Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome

- Iona cut Rider's lead in the all-time series to 14-9-3. Following a six-game Rider winning streak from 2013-18, Iona has gone 3-0-1 in the last four.     
- Rider allowed a goal for the first time in three games, following shutout victories over Saint Peter's and Manhattan in their last two.
- Sciancalepore made three saves in defeat.    
- Sciancalepore, Hannah Freeman (Lowville, NY/Lowville), Genevieve Ryan (Auckland, New Zealand/Mount Albert Grammar School), Gabriela Garcia (Caracas, Venezuela/U.E. La Salle La Colina [Iowa Western C.C.]) and Anna Barkey (Parker, CO/Legend [UTRGV]) each played all 90 minutes.

Broncs By The Numbers
- Rodrigues led the Broncs with two shots, including one on goal.
- Martin and Olivia Smith (Rutherford, NJ/Rutherford) also put one shot on goal each.
- Dees and Russell also attempted one shot each.
- The Gaels took a 9-6 edge in shots, including a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
- The Broncs took nine corner kicks to the Gaels' five.

Up Next
The Broncs return to MAAC play Saturday, when they welcome Fairfield to Ben Cohen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN3.