With conference play now in full swing, the Quinnipiac men’s soccer team (3-7-1 overall, 2-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) hosts the Iona Gaels (3-4-2 overall, 2-2 MAAC) Wednesday in a crucial match for both teams.
Following this game, both teams will have reached the halfway point in conference play. The Bobcats and the Gaels come into this game tied for 5th in the MAAC, with six conference points respectively. A win for either team would boost their chances of making the MAAC tournament, while a loss would make the final five games of the season a tough track on the road to postseason play. Quinnipiac has some momentum following a huge 3-0 victory over third-place Canisius on Saturday, while Iona grabbed a 1-0 overtime victory over Marist on Saturday as well.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Chrysostomos Iakovidis
The sophomore goalkeeper has been a rock for the Quinnipiac defense this season, playing every minute for the Bobcats. Most of their one or two-goal losses could have been three or four if not for Iakovidis’ goalkeeping heroics. His shutout on Saturday now put him in second among MAAC keepers with three. If the Bobcats want to return to the MAAC tournament and make a deep run like they did last year, it starts with the play of their star goalkeeper.
Iona – Humbert Ferrer
Despite being a defender, the junior is the Gaels’ leading scorer with three goals on the season. He doesn’t put a lot of shots on net, as he has just 11 in nine games, but he knows how to score. Having a goalscoring defender like Ferrer is huge for a team, and he could be tough to stop on Wednesday. Standing at 6-foot-2, he could be a huge threat in the air against the Bobcats.
Keys to the Game
Goals could be tough to come by on Saturday, and the team that scores first could end up winning the game. Quinnipiac has yet to win a game when trailing, but is 3-0-0 when scoring first. All three of the Bobcats wins have been shutouts, so if they can score early and play well defensively, Quinnipiac could grab a crucial conference win.
As for Iona, they need to keep this game from going to overtime. Six of their nine games have gone past regulation, with four of those going into double overtime. With coach James Hamilton virtually only playing 16 field players this season, there has to be some tired bodies on this Gaels team. Iona needs to find a way to keep this one at 90 minutes, win, lose, or draw.
The Game
It will be interesting to see who come out on top this Wednesday, as both teams could use these crucial three points. Be sure to tune in live on the broadcast at 4 p.m. to hear Alex Pena and Andrew Meyers on the call. Follow our Twitter @QBSN for live updates throughout the games.
Link to the game: http://quinnipiacbobcats.com/watch/?Live=419&type=Live
