Iona University men's soccer kicked off its 2026 season with an impressive 4-1 victory over Monmouth. Ignacio Manzanares made a notable debut, scoring two goals, while Francesco Borla returned from injury to contribute two assists. The Gaels established an early lead, scoring twice in each half, including a goal from sophomore Ricardo Vivo Calderon. Monmouth managed a penalty kick goal but could not close the gap.

By the Numbers
  • Iona outshot Monmouth 22 to 18, with 14 shots on target compared to Monmouth's 6.
  • Manzanares recorded 2 goals in his debut, while Borla provided 2 assists.
State of Play
  • Iona earned its first victory over Monmouth since 2020 and the first road win since 2007.
  • This was the largest margin of victory (3 goals) in the 18-game series since 2001.
What's Next

Iona will continue its three-game road trip, facing Seton Hall next on August 27, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Bottom Line

Iona's strong season opener, highlighted by standout performances and offensive depth, sets a promising tone for the remainder of the year, with a potential for continued success as they build momentum heading into their next match.