The Seawolves end the non-conference portion of the season with a strong 6-4-1 mark and will now enter America East play, beginning with Saturday's home match against Boston University at 7 p.m.
Stony Brook controlled most of the first half, outshooting the Gaels 9-6. Things picked up near halftime when Gobeil Cruz took a cross from Mehdi Belakehal and headed it past Iona keeper Michael Jordan for the match's lone goal. Gobeil Cruz, who is this week's BigAppleSoccer.com Men's College Player of the Week, now has a team-leading five goals on the season and ranks near the top of America East in that category.
In the second half, Iona stormed out with four shots in the first 13 minutes and then outshooting the Seawolves 11-1, but Manz had a big performance, making saves in the 51st, 55th and 78th minutes. The last shot he saved came on a penalty kick from Iona's Rob Hernandez-Raaen.
Manz finished with four saves total and is also unbeaten over his last six matches. With his third shutout of the season, he is now tied for first in America East. He is also third in saves. His record for the season is 6-2-1.
Stony Brook and Boston University will duel Saturday evening at 7 p.m. The two teams are tied with New Hampshire in the NSCAA/hendrickcars.com Northeast Region poll and are at the top of the preseason America East poll.
