Iona and Villanova Battle to 1-1 Draw in Season-Opening Thriller Gaels' defender Florian Schutt finds the net as both teams earn hard-fought point in New Rochelle
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Iona University opened their 2025 campaign with a spirited 1-1 draw against Villanova University on Wednesday evening, as both programs kicked off their seasons with an entertaining contest that showcased the competitive balance expected throughout the year.
The match at Iona's home venue featured end-to-end action with both sides generating quality chances, combining for 22 shots and 6 shots on target in a display that left coaches from both programs encouraged about their team's early-season form.
Iona controlled much of the possession through their midfield trio of Storm Schmidt Hollensted, Bruno Rivera, and Jaime Roman, who each played the full 90 minutes and provided the engine room stability that allowed the Gaels to create opportunities. The home side's attacking thrust came primarily through Aitor Jorde, whose three shots led all Iona players, and the creative play of Emilio Rossi, who registered an assist while contributing two shots of his own.
The breakthrough moment came courtesy of an unlikely source, as defender Florian Schutt found himself in an advanced position and converted what would prove to be Iona's lone goal of the evening. The German defender's strike was set up by midfielder Calle Sjoberg, who provided the assist in what represented a well-worked team move that caught Villanova's defensive line off guard.
Villanova responded with determination, creating their own scoring chances through a balanced attack. Defender Zachary Miles proved to be an offensive catalyst from the back line, leading the Wildcats with three shots and one on target while contributing to their build-up play throughout the match. Forward Fynn Lahrsen provided the primary attacking threat for 75 minutes, registering one shot on goal before being substituted as coach Tom Carlin looked to inject fresh legs into his front line.
The Wildcats' equalizer demonstrated their resilience and tactical flexibility, as they adjusted their approach to break down an organized Iona defensive structure. Goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler-dejesus anchored a solid defensive performance, playing the full match and providing the foundation for Villanova's comeback effort.
Both teams showed impressive fitness levels and tactical organization for a season opener, with Iona utilizing their squad depth effectively through strategic substitutions. Chris Morandi made an impact off the bench with 41 minutes of play, contributing two shots and one on target to maintain pressure on the Villanova defense. Meanwhile, Matias Mancheno provided 35 minutes of quality midfield play as the Gaels managed their player rotations.
The match featured its share of physical play, with five yellow cards distributed between the sides. Iona's Andres Becerra and Andrey Mora Bravo both saw yellow, while Villanova's Lorenzo Avalos, Fynn Lahrsen, and Luke Martelli were cautioned by the referee as both teams competed intensely for every ball.
Fernando Alves Schmelz in the Iona goal and his counterpart Cutler-dejesus both delivered solid performances between the posts, making the saves necessary to keep their teams in the match during crucial moments.
As both programs look ahead to building on this season-opening result, the draw provides valuable momentum and confidence. Iona will be pleased with their attacking creativity and the unexpected goal contribution from defender Schutt, while Villanova showed the character to respond after falling behind and will take encouragement from their balanced offensive approach.
The result sets up both teams well for the challenges ahead, with each program demonstrating the depth and tactical flexibility that will be essential for success throughout the demanding college soccer season.
Key Players
- Florian Schutt (Iona) - Defender scored the opening goal and played full 90 minutes in solid defensive display
- Zachary Miles (Villanova) - Led Wildcats with 3 shots from defensive position, contributing significantly to attack
- Aitor Jorde (Iona) - Team-high 3 shots in 85 minutes, providing consistent attacking threat