Women's College Soccer
Rider University 2, Drexel University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE-Sophomore Jennifer Meier (Sayville, NY/St. Anthony's) scored two goals and junior Abi Cottam (Leominster, England/Ludlow) added a pair of assists to lead Rider to victory over Drexel Sunday afternoon. "Those two are hot right now but it doesn't matter who scores," said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome. "We have been getting goals from quite a few people. If we play a team that does not have a lot of pace in the back these two will destroy them."
The victory is the fourth in a row for Rider (6-2-1) and sixth in the last seven games.
This is the first time Rider has ever begun a season 6-2-1 in its 15-year history. "I think that is a testament to this group of players," Hounsome said. "They are working for each other and they learned a lot last year. We could have done this last year but we didn't have the experience we have now."
Meier scored just 1:28 into the game and added her fifth goal of the season in the 14th minute of play. "Abi played a great ball to me and I was able to shoot it over the goalie's head," Meier said. "I thought the goalie had it. I was surprised we were able to score so quickly."
Actually, it was not the fastest goal scored by Meier. "I think the goal at Sacred Heart last year was even quicker." It was. Meier scored just 33 seconds into a 4-2 loss at Sacred Heart in 2010. "Getting a quick goal like that relieves a lot of pressure."
Meier now has 11 goals and 27 points in 25 career games as a Bronc.
Meier missed three games earlier this year with a thigh injury. "She's probably 10 days to two weeks away from being 100 percent," Hounsome said. "We didn't want to rush her back. She was better today than she was Friday and she was better Friday than she was last Sunday. She should be 100 percent for conference play."
"I'm not quite all the way back to full strength yet," Meier said, "but it's getting there. Hopefully by conference play (October 1 at Loyola) I'll be able to go at full strength."
Meier scored a 'hat trick' earlier this year, scoring three goals in a 3-0 win at Bryant. "I wasn't too disappointed about not getting a third goal today, as long as we won," Meier said. 'I can't really complain."
Rider freshman goalkeeper Danielle Singson (Deer Park, NY/St. Anthony's) played the first 45 minutes and made three saves. Junior Jenn Nichols (Stratham, N.H./Exeter) played the second half in the Rider nets and also made three saves. The pair have now combined for six shutouts this season. "We pride ourselves on our defense," Hounsome said. "(Sophomore) Carolyn Wiley (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) was superb today. Drexel has some good players and Carolyn did a fantastic job dealing with them."
Drexel (2-4-2) out-shot Rider 13-10, including 7-2 in the second half.
Drexel began the season 2-1-1 before losing to Virginia, tying Saint Joseph's and losing its last game to Wagner.
Rider and Drexel have now met 10 times since the series began in 1997, with Rider holding a 5-3-2 advantage. The two teams last met in 2008 when Drexel won 1-0. The teams tied 0-0 in 2007 and 2-2 in 2006. The last time Rider defeated Drexel was 2001, a 2-1 overtime win.
The Broncs continue their five-game home stand Friday night, hosting Delaware State at 7pm on the Ben Cohen Field. "The five road games (out of first six) to start was tough but we did well in those games (3-1-1) and now we're off to a great start in the home games."
"I love playing at home," Meier said. "There is such a good atmosphere. I love it."
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