Men's College Soccer
Saint Joseph's University 2, Rider University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE?The first half of the Rider University men's soccer season has come to an end, and the second, most important half is about to begin. “What we're looking to do right now is figure out the best approach for the next nine games and how to secure enough points to get into the playoffs,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager. “That right now is our focus.”
The Broncs (1-7-2) lost their final non-conference game of the regular season, falling to Saint Joseph's Saturday afternoon. “We gave up two goals that we probably shouldn't have given up,” Fager said, “and we didn't get one goal that we probably should have got and maybe should have had one or two more.”
Saint Joseph's (2-2-1) scored just 4:04 into the game when a loose ball was picked up and shot from 25 yards out.
The Hawks added the insurance goal 5:35 into the second half on a through ball that was struck from just inside the box.
St. Joe's out-shot Rider 24-12. The Hawks had nine corners to Rider's five.
Rider senior goalkeeper Randall Zapolski (Lawrence, N.J./Lawrence) made 10 saves. “If it wasn't for Randy we would have given up two or three more,” Fager said.
Bryan Benedict made four saves for Saint Joseph's.
Rider defeated Saint Joseph's 2-0 in Philadelphia last year. Saint Joe's holds a 19-11-5 advantage in the series that began in 1963. Rider and St. Joe's were East Coast Conference rivals 1974-1982.
Rider travels to Western New York next weekend to begin Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at Canisius Friday and Niagara Sunday. “We sure as heck better be ready for MAAC play,” Fager said. “Traveling to Buffalo isn't the most fun thing to do but I'd sooner go there first than last. At least we'll catch some decent weather.”
“Our goal now is to make it to the MAAC playoffs,” Zapolski told the Rider TV cameras after the game. “That has always been our goal and still is.”
Among the 204 fans in attendance Saturday were many of the Rider soccer alums who played in the Alumni Game in August. Also joining the Rider team were members of the Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association
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