Men's College Soccer
Rider University 1, Saint Peter's College 0 (ot)
JERSEY CITY, NY-The Broncs completed the 2009 season with an overtime Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference victory at Saint Peter's Sunday. "We went overtime because we want to keep this group together as long as we can," said Rider head coach Russ Fager. "It's a good group of guys."
Rider (6-11, 3-6 MAAC) freshman Sam Kotowski (Cranbury, N.J./Princeton) took a pass from senior Cameron Bertel (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) and scored with 19 seconds left in the first overtime period for the game-winner.
"Cam made about a 70 yard run down the left flank, served the ball into the middle and Sammy was there to pound it home," Fager said.
Kotowski had three of Rider's 12 shots. The goal was his second of the season.
Saint Peter's (5-12, 3-6 MAAC) out-shot Rider 16-12. "It was really a good game," Fager said. "We came out playing hard, playing well. It was a total team effort again."
Rider freshman goalkeeper Matt Perrella (North Brunswick, N.J./N. Brunswick) made five saves and finishes his rookie season with a record of 4-5. "Perrella played fabulously in goal," Fager said. "He made some big saves, some phenomenal saves in overtime."
The Peacocks upset Loyola (5-1-2 MAAC) on Friday. "They have some quality players on the Saint Peter's team and we knew what they were capable of after they defeated Loyola 2-0 on Friday," Fager said. "Our backs did a great job on them. (junior Jim) Bradley (Washington Twp., N.J./Washington Township) played like he was possessed. He was not going to walk off the field a loser today."
Rider defeated Manhattan Friday to end the season with consecutive wins. "If we can keep this group together I think the guys now believe that they can play with most anybody," Fager said. "The entire weekend was great. The team is feeling pretty good about itself."
The season finale marked the end of the collegiate career for Bertel and senior Nico Tramontana (Vineland, N.J./Sacred Heart). Tramontana graduates with 15 goals and 33 career points. "with the assist today Cam ended his career on a great note," Fager said. "Nico played great both Friday and today so he, too, ended his career on a high," Fager said.
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