Men's College Soccer
Fairfield University 2, Rider University 1
FAIRFIELD, CT?Despite traveling to New England with just 16 healthy bodies, the Broncs lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game at Fairfield Friday evening. “We played very, very well,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager. “It was a good effort and we made progress.”
Rider junior Nico Tramontana (Vineland, N.J./Sacred Heart) tied the score at 1-1 13 minutes into the second half with his third goal of the season. “It was good to have Nico and Gil (senior Anthony Gilbert of Jamison, Pa./Central Bucks South) back in the line up,” Fager said.
Fairfield (6-5, 3-1 MAAC) took a 1-0 lead mid-way through the first half on a penalty kick. “It was not a scoring opportunity, so we were surprised with the PK call,” Fager said.
Fairfield took a 2-1 lead with 14 minutes left to play. “We thought we had a point (one point for a tie in the MAAC) but it's been that kind of year,” Fager said. “The second goal was a loose ball that they shot and it went off one of our defenders.”
Fairfield out shot Rider (2-11-2, 1-4 MAAC) 11-5. Both teams had six corner kicks.
Rider freshman goalie Christopher Pimentel (Brick/Brick Memorial) made four saves. “Chris did a great job in goal,” Fager said.
Rider and Fairfield have now met 16 times with the Stags holding a 10-5-1 advantage in the series that began in 1996. Fairfield defeated Rider 1-0 in Lawrenceville last season and has now won the last four meetings.
Rider travels to Iona for a MAAC game Sunday afternoon. “with all of the injuries we have had, we'll just play through it and keep fighting,” Fager said. “the one good thing is that our freshmen are gaining valuable experience.”
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