Men's College Soccer
Monmouth University 2, Rider University 0
WEST LONG BRANCH?The Broncs dropped their fourth straight decision, losing at Monmouth Sunday. “We played with more attitude and desire but not enough intensity,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.
After a scoreless first half, the Hawks (2-1-1) scored twice in a three minute span, both goals by Chase Barbieri, to take a 2-0 lead nine minutes into the second half. “For 60, 70 minutes we did a very nice job, but for that 15, 20 minutes we didn't have it,” Fager said. “Monmouth was very similar to Colgate as the top teams we've seen this year. Both very technical, very good on the ball. They've got good pace, good size. They've got the whole package.”
Monmouth out-shot Rider (1-4) 21-1, including 15-1 in the second half, and had 13 corner kicks to Rider's three. “We had three or four scoring chances,” Fager said. “I'm not sure if they turned into shots on not but we had some chances.”
Rider senior goalkeeper Randall Zapolski (Lawrence, N.J./Lawrence) made seven saves, including a save on a penalty kick. “Randy played very well,” Fager said. “His save on the PK was incredible.”
Monmouth, ranked third in the North Atlantic Region, tied Syracuse 0-0 Thursday evening after losing to nationally ranked Seton Hall in overtime and defeating Fairfield.
Rider plays at Lafayette Thursday evening. “Lafayette will be a very similar team,” Fager said. “If we're going to do anything in the league we've got to play the best teams we can and learn from it.”
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