NEWARK, DE-Rider University junior Tim Jones (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) is getting the reputation of being a 'headsy' player. Jones scored his fourth career goal Tuesday night to defeat Delaware, and it was the third time he has scored on a header.

"To be honest, I feel more comfortable using my feet," said Jones, who scored his first goal of the season with 2:23 left in the first half off of a corner kick from freshman Owen Castle (Belford, N.J./Middletown North) on an assist by freshman Evan Lubcher (Milltown, N.J./East Brunswick).  "It has just worked out that way that three of my four goals so far have been on headers. I'm not really known for my heading ability like some players are."

The goal gave Rider its first win of the season.  "This feels awesome," said Rider head coach Russ Fager, who now has 224 career victories.  "This is a big monkey off of our backs. All week we talked about possessing the ball, and tonight we were able to do that. We had about 10 or 12 chances, with guys with the ball at their feet in the box. We did a very good job possessing the ball."

"We're finally starting to possess the ball, and this is a great feeling," said Jones, a veteran of 45 Rider games.

Rider (1-5-2) was out-shot by Delaware (1-4-2) 25-12. "Delaware is not a bad team," said Fager.  "They just beat a very strong Navy team."  Navy beat Rider 2-0 earlier this season.

Freshman AJ Parillo (South River, N.J./South River) had seen action in just one home game this season but made the trip to Delaware and performed well.  "We made some personnel changes today and they paid off," said Fager.  "AJ played 40, 45 minutes, and played very well. (Junior Jacob) Kratt (Moorestown, N.J./Moorestown) played a great game defending in the back and (freshman Mike) Juska (Wall, N.J./Wall) had a great game."

Rider junior goalkeeper Dan Riverso (Williamstown) made five saves for the Broncs.  "Riverso was tested and played very well," said Fager, "he really took charge the last 10-15 minutes of the game." It was the second shutout of the season for Riverso and the fourth of his career.

"We played very well, and this was a nice game to win," said Fager.  "This is a nice feeling to get the win," said Jones, " everybody is real happy right now.  This is a good feeling."

It's always a good feeling when you use your head.

-RU-