FAU Breaks Through in 119th Minute to Down Iona

Friday, September 14

Boca Raton, FLA.

7:30 PM

Florida Atlantic

2-3-0

Iona

1-4-0

OT 1

OT 2

Iona College

FAU

9/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 14, 2007

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL - The third time was a charm for the Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team, as Gianni Piccoletti scored the golden goal in the final minute of double overtime to give the Owls a dramatic 1-0 win over Iona College at FAU Field Friday night.

Senior Diego Monsalve registered the assist on a late corner kick, as Piccoletti fired a header past Iona goalkeeper Nils Binstock into the top right corner of the net for a thrilling finish in the game's 109th minute. It was the freshman midfielder's first goal of the season.

The game-winner followed two glorious chances by FAU in each overtime period. Junior forward Dag Bjorgum barely missed on a breakaway chance midway through the first extra session, and junior midfielder Liam Ogle lost his balance before he had a chance to bury a loose ball that had gotten behind Binstock in the second overtime.

Shots were at a premium throughout, as the teams managed just five shots apiece through 90 minutes of play. The Owls then took control in the overtimes, outshooting the Gaels by a 5-0 margin over the game's final 19 minutes.

Sophomore goalkeeper Phillip Lamarre turned in his first shutout effort of the season for Florida Atlantic, turning aside two shots on goal for the game.

In the evening's earlier contest, part of the annual FAU Classic, Florida Gulf Coast won another overtime affair in a 3-2 final over Georgia State. Freshman defender Chris DiNapoli scored the game-winner in the 99th minute for the Eagles, while midfielder Floreal Pedrazo led the Panthers with both of his team's goals.

The FAU Classic continues on Sunday, with Florida Gulf Coast (3-1-0) facing Iona College (1-4-0) at 11 a.m., followed by Florida Atlantic (2-3-0) against Georgia State (1-2-1) at 1 p.m. Fans of all four schools can follow the action online via GameTracker at fausports.com.