LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider women's soccer team (2-4-2, 0-2-0 MAAC) team dropped a 2-0 decision to MAAC rival Canisius (3-4-0, 3-0-0 MAAC) on Saturday afternoon at Ben Cohen Field.

The Golden Griffins opened with early pressure, forcing freshman goalkeeper Ashley Moore into a pair of first-half saves. 

Rider's first chance came in the 28th minute when Tess Ferrie fired from the right wing, testing the Canisius keeper for her first stop of the match.

Just a minute later, Canisius broke through as Azaria Fagan capitalized on a feed from Mya Jones to put the visitors ahead 1-0. 

The Broncs nearly found the equalizer before halftime when Mia Grgicevich flicked a header to Lauren Black inside the box, but Black's shot was turned aside in the 43rd minute.

Rider entered the break narrowly outshot, 4-2, with Canisius holding a 3-2 edge in shots on goal.

In the second half, Isis Ovares came close to leveling the score in the 67th minute with a strike from the right wing that missed just wide left. 

The Golden Griffins later doubled their advantage in the 78th minute, as Lizzy Harkness headed home a Jessica Whitaker set piece to seal the 2-0 final.

Quotes and Notes
"I thought the first half was pretty even, but we were a little sloppy with our deliveries into the box.

The second half was disappointing—they came out strong and really controlled the first 20 minutes. The free kick that led to their second goal was one we didn't need to give up, which was frustrating. But every game is a learning opportunity. Now we turn our focus to Wednesday against Saint Peter's. We have to be better, learn from this, and I believe we will." – Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome

- Seven Broncs went the distance, with Ashley Moore, Ella Baumgardt, Bethie Morgan, Leah Marcell, Ava Ferrie, Isis Ovares, and Ava DeGeorge each playing the full 90 minutes.
- Despite the loss, Rider continues to hold the edge in the all-time series, 15-13-3.

Broncs by the Numbers
- Canisius held a 15-7 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge on goal.
- Tess Ferrie paced Rider with two shots, one on target.
- Leah Marcell, Isis Ovares, Ava DeGeorge, and Lauren Black each added a shot.
- Ashley Moore finished with six saves.

Up Next
Rider continues its homestand on Sept. 24, hosting Saint Peter's on Ben Cohen Field. 
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+