Men's College Soccer
Iona College 1, Rider University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE—Despite controlling the majority of the play, the Broncs lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game to nationally ranked Iona Sunday afternoon. “I felt we out-played the 22nd ranked team in the country,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.
Iona (12-2-2, 6-1 MAAC) scored on a penalty kick with 20 minutes left in the second half. “We out-played them for most of the game, but this is not a game that if you have the ball the most you win,” Fager said.
Rider (4-11, 1-6 MAAC) out-shot Iona 16-10, including 11-5 in the second half. “I felt we had chances, we just didn't capitalize on them,” Fager said.
Freshman goalkeeper Matt Perrella (North Brunswick, N.J./N. Brunswick) made two saves for the Broncs.
Nils Binstock made five saves for Iona.
Both teams had two corner kicks. “We had several good opportunities today but not enough,” Fager said.
Iona won eight in a row and was ranked 22nd in the nation before losing at Loyola Friday.
The loss was Rider's fourth in a row. “It is encouraging to play this well against somebody who you think is very talented,” Fager said, “but it is frustrating also. You walk on the field with the intention of winning. When you out-play an opponent you expect to win. Too often this year we have out-played people and have come out on the short end.”
Last year Rider lost 3-0 at Iona. Rider and Iona have now met 12 times since the series began in 1997 with Rider winning six (one tie), the last Bronc victory coming in 2005.
Prior to the game Sunday graduating seniors Nico Tramontana (Vineland, N.J./Sacred Heart) and Cameron Bertel (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) were honored. 'I felt Cam and Nico both had great games today,” Fager said.
Rider travels to Manhattan Friday night and Saint Peter's Sunday to close out the season. “We just have to keep working and keep playing,” Fager said. “If this group can stay together in the next year or two they are going to be a force to be reckoned with, like Iona is,” Fager said.
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