Box Score Men's College Soccer
Rider University 2, Siena College 1
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—The Broncs scored all three goals on Saturday but only two counted for Rider.
The Rider University men's soccer team defeated Siena College in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game. “It was really an intense game,” said Rider head coach Charlie Inverso. “Physical and competitive.”
The Siena Saints came marching in to Lawrenceville on a three-game winning streak and in first place in the MAAC. “They are a good team,” Inverso said. “It was a really good win.”
Siena (4-6-2, 2-1 MAAC) took a 1-0 lead on an 'own goal' when a Bronc deflected a crossing pass into the Rider net. “That was an unfortunate one,” Inverso said. “The goals we've been giving up lately haven't necessarily been great ones. We've been defending better than last year, we've just been a bit unlucky.”
Rider freshman Clement Bourret (Paris, France/Lycee Jean Giraudoux) scored in the 64th minute to break a 1-1 tie on an assist from junior Elliott Otmani (LaCiotat, France). The goal was the team-high fifth of the season. “Clembo had to come out after a collision in the first half,” Inverso said. “He stepped up big on that goal.”
Rider sophomore Jo Panuccio (Mechanicsburg, PA/Mechanicsburg) scored to tie the game at 1-1 with 38 minutes left to play on an assist from senior Adrien Huss (Madrid, Spain) on a free kick. “Adrien's free kick went through a screen from a tough, wide angle,” Inverso said. “He played it into the seam.”
The Broncs (7-3-1, 2-1-1 MAAC) out-shot Siena 15-13.
Last year Rider won in double overtime at Siena.
The reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week, senior Ryan Baird (Plainfield, NJ/St. Peter's Prep), made three saves. “Baird made a fantastic save near the end of the game,” Inverso said. “There was a clear header that when I saw it I said the game is tied at 2-2. I don't know how Baird saved it. An incredible reaction save. The play of the game.”
Baird currently ranks 24th in the nation in save percentage and 41st in goals against average.
The last time Siena came to Lawrenceville (2014) the Broncs won 6-1, Rider's first win over the Saints in 10 years. Siena holds a 10-8-4 advantage in the series that began in 1997.
Rider travels to Manhattan for a 7pm MAAC game Wednesday. “That's a tough place to play,” Inverso said. “They usually defend pretty well.”
-ru-
