Men's College Soccer
Rider University 2, Saint Peter's College 0
JERSEY CITY-The Broncs defeated Saint Peter's in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game Friday afternoon. "It was a good win," said Rider head coach Charlie Inverso.
Junior Dave Benavidez (Peoria, Ill/Richwoods) took a pass from junior Ryan Fitzgerald (Yardville, N.J./Steinert) and scored his second goal of the season just 4:03 into the game to give Rider (2-8-1, 1-2 MAAC) the only goal it needed. "We came out and jumped on an early lead," Inverso said.
Junior Krishna Nathu (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) scored his first career goal with 22 minutes left on a breakaway for the insurance goal. "Krishna hasn't seen a lot of time and he comes in and puts away the second goal," Inverso said. "Our depth was great today. A lot of guys played and helped us win."
Junior Matt Perrella (North Brunswick, N.J./N. Brunswick) made three saves for his second shutout of the season. "Credit Matt for being ready," Inverso said. "He had a good game. He was steady and a strong presence back there."
Perrella started the first five games of the season but has not played since September 11. Rider junior goalkeeper Jason Giordano (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) started the last five games but was injured in the pre-game warm-ups.
"I think what Matt did, and what Krishna did, was indicative of our team spirit," Inverso said. "They both stepped up."
Rider out-shot Saint Peter's (2-8, 1-1 MAAC) 9-8, including 6-3 in the second half. "To be honest we did not have a good first half," Inverso said. "We were kind of fortunate to get out of the first half with the lead. We defended well enough and we made some really good adjustments in the second half."
The Broncs lost 5-1 to Saint Peter's in Lawrenceville last year. Rider defeated the Peacocks 1-0 in the 2009 season final here in Jersey City. Rider holds a 21-10 advantage in the series with SPC that began in 1960.
The Broncs travel to Manhattan for a MAAC game Sunday morning. "We have to enjoy this win for a day and then come back and get the second one," Inverso said.
The Broncs will play at 10 am Sunday. "It is not going to be easy," Inverso said. "Any game at 10 o'clock in the morning is never easy."
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