Women's College Soccer
Rider University 2, Delaware State University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE—It doesn't matter who starts, it is who finishes that counts. Rider junior Lauren Musumeci (Annandale, N.J./North Hunterdon) started every game last season, 15 more games as a freshman and the first two games this year, but did not start on Tuesday. She did finish, however. Twice, as the Broncs defeated Delaware State in the home opener.
“Whether you start the game or come in off the bench you have to make an impact,” said Musumeci, who scored her seventh and eighth goals of her career. Her eight goals is 12th most ever at Rider. “That was my goal today, to make an impact.”
“Moose (Musumeci) came in off the bench and raised her game to another level,” said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome. “We played well. We played well in the first two games but didn't get the win. Today we played well and found a way to get the win. I'm real happy to get that first win.”
Musumeci took a crossing pass from freshman Claire Thompson (East Greenwich, R.I./E. Greenwich) and headed in her first goal of the season with just 43 seconds left in the first half. “The first goal was just really hard work by Claire down the sideline,” Musumeci said. “She crossed it in and it was just desperation on my part. I saw the ball and I knew I just HAD to get it in. I did everything I could to get it in the back of the net.”
Ten minutes into the second half freshman Kate Stevens (Deddington, England/Chenderit) controlled the ball on the sideline and sent a crossing pass that was broken up by Hornet goalkeeper Brittany Curtis. Curtis could not hold on, however, and Musumeci picked up the loose ball and scored from two yards out.
“Kate worked real hard to get a cross,” Musumeci said. “As the pass came in Claire made the goalie bobble it and it popped out right on my foot. I was able to finish.”
Musumeci now has 23 career points, 12th highest ever at Rider.
Rider (1-2) out-shot Delaware State (0-1) 23-5. Curtis made 10 saves for the Hornets. “One of our focuses was to possess the ball, to out-work them and possess the ball more than they were able to,” Hounsome said. “When we can do that, hopefully we can create more opportunities on goal.”
Rider junior Alex Post (Chalfont, Pa./Central Bucks West) played 76 minutes and did not need to make a save. Rider had eight corner kicks to Delaware State's one.
“(freshman) Demi Mello (Mattituck, N.Y./Mattituck) and (senior) Natalie Sica (Marlton, N.J./Holy Cross) played very well in the center midfield,” Hounsome said.
The victory was Rider's first at home under second year head coach Hounsome. The Broncs tied Lafayette 2-2 in last year's home opener. The Broncs won the 2007 season opener against George Mason. Rider also won the season opener in 2004 and 2001. “That was our first home win in two years so I'm very happy about that,” Hounsome said. “It's always nice to win in front of your fans,” Musumeci said. “Hopefully we'll get a few more home wins.”
Rider is now 3-0 against Delaware State since the series began in 2006.
Rider hosts Sacred Heart Friday at 4pm. “We have to make our home field a tough place for opponents to come in and play,” Hounsome said.
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