NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY - The Rider women's soccer team (2-7-7, 0-5-5 MAAC) put forth a spirited effort Saturday afternoon, rallying twice to secure a 2-2 draw at Niagara Purple Eagles (6-6-2, 3-5-2 MAAC).
Rider jumped out to an early tone-setting chance when
Lauren Black unleashed the Broncs' first shot on goal just four minutes in.
Minutes later,
Tess Ferrie caused trouble in the 14th minute, her effort forcing a sharp save from the Niagara keeper.
The Broncs maintained pressure through the first half — they held a 5-4 shot-advantage and forced four saves in the opening 45.
After the break, momentum shifted to Niagara. At 57', a loose pass from the Purple Eagles' back line was intercepted by Valgerður Sigurjónsdóttir, who launched a 20-yard attempt that just sailed high.
Then at 63',
Aysu Unver sent in a long ball to Sigurjónsdóttir who threaded it through to
Noa Menzing — Menzing's shot from inside the 18 narrowly missed left.
Niagara struck first in the 72nd minute when Morgan Kulniszewski gave the home team a 1–0 lead.
Rider wasted no time responding. Two minutes later, a foul on the right edge of the box set up a free kick for
Bethie Morgan, who delivered a perfect ball to the head of
Isis Ovares. Ovares buried it in the bottom-right corner to level the match at one.
Rider stayed on the front foot as Sigurjónsdóttir nearly put the Broncs in front in the 79th minute, hitting the crossbar from distance.
Ashley Moore came up with a big stop in the 81st minute to keep it tied, but Niagara regained the lead just a minute later when Soraya Ross scored to make it 2–1.
The Broncs answered once again. In the 84th minute,
Ava Ferrie curled in a corner kick that found the net untouched for an Olympico goal, tying the match at 2–2.
A minute later, she nearly connected with her sister Tess on a header that went just wide — the final look of the afternoon.
Quotes and Notes
"The team showed great character to bounce back from Wednesday and responded well to the challenges that Niagara offered."
– Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome
- The draw marked Rider's seventh tie of the season and fifth in MAAC play.
- Niagara continues to lead the all-time series 17–10–4.
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Isis Ovares tallied her first goal in a Bronc uniform.
- Seven Broncs went the full 90 minutes:
Ashley Moore,
Aysu Unver,
Bethie Morgan,
Leah Marcell,
Lauren Black,
Ava Ferrie, and Ovares.
Broncs by the Numbers
- Rider outshot Niagara 12–9, including a 7–5 edge on goal.
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Ava Ferrie led the team with three shots (two on goal), while
Tess Ferrie and Sigurjónsdóttir added two.
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Ella Baumgardt, Morgan, Black, Menzing, and Ovares each recorded a shot.
- Morgan picked up the assist on Ovares' equalizer.
Up Next
The Broncs continue MAAC play on the road Saturday, Oct. 25, traveling to Siena for a 1 p.m. kickoff.