Rider faces mixed results in back-to-back MAAC matches

By Emma Geremia-Hartigan and Isabel Kotscho

The Rider Broncs faced a tough opponent in the Fairfield University Stags on Oct. 15, suffering a crushing 6-0 shutout, but bounced back in a 2-2 draw against Niagara University on Oct. 18.

Fairfield Dominates in 6–0 Win Over Rider

From the opening whistle, Fairfield set the tone on Ben Cohen Field, working the ball into the attacking third with speed and accuracy. The Stags, who remain unbeaten in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play, forced multiple saves and blocked several Rider attempts in the first 15 minutes to clear the ball from their defensive third. 

Fairfield scored five goals in the first half, each stemming from strong passing sequences that exploited gaps in Rider’s back line. Rider freshman goalkeeper Ashley Moore was forced into several critical saves to prevent the score from climbing even faster. 

In the second half, Rider worked to stabilize the defense and limit Fairfield’s chances, managing to keep the Stags to just one more goal late in the 79th minute. Moore remained busy throughout, finishing with nine saves for the match, while sophomore goalkeeper Kaia Lyn contributed four saves when called upon. 

Sophomore defender Leah Marcell reflected on the Stags’ quality of play.

 “Fairfield is a good team,” Marcell said. “They’ve been successful the past few years, and they’re just an overall strong program.” 

Head Coach Drayson Hounsome emphasized the challenge that comes with facing a strong team in the conference.

“We played a team that was much better than us, so it depends on the opponent. If we play a team of lesser ability, we’ll have more success. But if we play a team of higher ability, we’re going to struggle a little,” Hounsome said. 

Rider Battles to a 2–2 Draw at Niagara

Just a few days after the loss to Fairfield, Rider traveled to Niagara and obtained a 2–2 draw in a closely contested match.

A scoreless first half allowed both teams to adjust to each other’s strategies. Rider controlled the ball at times, moving it through the midfield to look for openings, while Niagara focused on quick passes and testing the Broncs’ back line. 

Rider outshot Niagara 5-4 in the opening 40 minutes, with Moore making a few key stops to keep the match even. 

The second half saw the pace pick up. Niagara broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, finding a seam in Rider’s defense and slotting a low shot past Moore from the outside of the penalty area. 

Just two minutes later, from a free kick near the box, junior back Bethie Morgan sent a well-placed cross into the middle, where junior midfielder Isis Ovares found herself unmarked and headed the ball into the net to tie the game 1–1. 

Niagara was not done, however, and regained the lead in the 82nd minute after a scramble in front of the goal. Moore managed to get a hand to the ball, but it still trickled past her and into the net. Despite the renewed deficit, Rider quickly regrouped. Junior forward Ava Ferrie stepped up and delivered a stunning Olympic goal, sending the ball directly into the net from the corner to tie the game at 2–2.

Throughout the match, Moore played all 90 minutes and made several critical stops, diving to intercept shots from close range and punching away dangerous crosses. 

Head Coach Drayson Hounsome praised Moore’s performance saying, “She has been extremely consistent and her presence within the defensive unit has been very important to the team.”

Rider finished the match with a 12-9 advantage in total shots, including 7–5 in shots on goal. 

The week’s results leave Rider at 2–7–7 overall and 0–5–5 in MAAC play, reflective of the challenges the Broncs have faced this season. The Broncs hope to bring their best in their next matchup at Siena on Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. in Loudonville, New York.