Rider sinks to 0-2 in MAAC play, 1-7-1 overall

By Benjamin Shinault

The Broncs are two matches into Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play and still searching for their first victory. On Sept. 27, the Broncs fell to the Niagara University Purple Eagles 2-0 on the road. With the loss, the Broncs are now 1-7-1 and are owners of a five-game losing streak. 

‘It comes down to execution’

In their previous game on Sept. 20, Rider faced a crushing defeat in the late stages of the match, leaving the Broncs looking to turn the page against Niagara.

Throughout the first half of action, the Broncs were not strangers to creating shots, as they finished with five of their seven shots on target, but none fell. 

Head Coach Chad Duernberger was a big fan of the offensive efforts in the first half, despite not getting on the board.

“I thought we created enough moments in the match to get on the scoreboard, especially in the first half,” Duernberger said.

The score remained knotted up at 0-0 as the first half went on, but as the Purple Eagles started to attack the Broncs, Rider gave up a penalty kick once again and Niagara cashed in on the opportunity to jump out a 1-0 lead. 

As the Broncs struggled with limiting the penalty kick, both Duernberger and junior forward Gio Polizzi, know that they have to control the penalty kick damage.

“If you look at the goals that were scored against us, I can’t recall one that’s been a phenomenal goal, it’s just a few slip ups and mistakes that we need to figure out,” Polizzi said.

Down 1-0 entering the half, Niagara struck in the 59th minute to extend the lead to 2-0 off a deflection in the middle of the net. After that, the Broncs limited Niagara’s chances as Rider goalkeeper, freshman Yoav 

Arikha, only made one save in the second half.

“Our back line has certainly grown from day one and I’m happy to see it continue to get better as we hit this back stretch of the season,” Duernberger said.

Down 2-0 with about 23 minutes left to go in the match, Rider scored their first goal since Sept. 9 when senior midfielder Theo Da Silva sent one in off his head.

Da Silva now has two goals on the season but Duernberger wants the MAAC Co-Preseason Player of the Year to get more chances.

“We moved Theo higher up the field in an advanced position to help us create closer to goal as an attacking midfield player. Being MAAC Co-Preseason Player of the Year, he brings so much on both ends of the field,” Duernberger said.

The Broncs, down 2-1 with less than six minutes to go in the match, got a good look from Polizzi, but the shot sailed right and the score remained 2-1. Rider dropped five straight matches. The last time the Broncs fell in five straight was in the 2012 season. 

The Broncs still have plenty of soccer to play and Duernberger still has confidence that Rider can turn the tides.

“It’s on me to figure it out. I have to get this group over the line especially in all of these one goal type of games. We are analyzing shape, personnel and every angle to get this group to be successful. I still believe in this group,” Duernberger said.

Rider will look to defend Ben Cohen Field on Oct. 1 when they welcome the Manhattan College Jaspers. The match will begin under the lights at 7 p.m.