October 9, 2005 - Niagara 4 Rider 2
October 9, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men’s College Soccer
Niagara University 4, Rider University 2
WEST WINDSOR—The Broncs lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game to Niagara Sunday in a game held on the artificial turf at Mercer County Community College due to wet grounds at Rider. “We did everything right, we were enthused to play, we just didn’t get it done,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.
Rider sophomore Mike Colozzi (Shillington, PA/Gov. Mifflin) took a pass from junior Donnie Giovacchini (Titusville/Hopewell Valley) and scored his first collegiate goal to tie the score at 2-2 nine minutes into the second half. Giovacchini collected the corner kick from freshman Evan Lubcher (Milltown/East Brunswick) before heading the ball to Colozzi. “The goal felt awesome,” said Colozzi. “Donnie headed it back to me and it was fitting that I got the pass from Donnie for my first goal,” said Colozzi. “I gave him the pass for his first goal at George Washington earlier this year.”
“Colozzi can run a good game,” said Fager. “He gives us a different dimension, he is creative on the field, and spreads the ball around. He’s one of the best with the ball at his feet, a dangerous player. He has the ability to get off a nice shot, and he showed that today. He is very much into the game like few are. He has a real passion for the game.”
Matt Stedman of Niagara (5-5-1, 1-1 MAAC) scored twice in the first 24 minutes of the game, before Rider freshman Mike Juska (Wall) scored an unassisted goal, his second of the year, with seven minutes left in the first half, cutting the lead to 2-1. “The first 20 minutes we didn’t seem mentally ready to play, but for the rest of the game everything went well,” said Fager.
After Colozzi scored Niagara came right back to take a 3-2 lead six minutes later on a goal by Kwame Oduro.
With Rider applying pressure to tie the score, Niagara came down and scored just as the final horn was sounding. “We had a real sense of urgency at the end of the game,” said Colozzi. “Their goalie made some nice saves.” Eric Sullivan made 10 saves for the Purple Eagles. Rider junior goalkeeper Dan Riverso (Williamstown) made four saves.
Rider (2-7-2, 1-1 MAAC) out-shot Niagara 18-10, including 9-4 in the second half. “We’re playing a much better brand of soccer,” Fager said. “We’re getting more shots. We had a lot of good chances today.”
Rider travels to Siena for a MAAC game Friday afternoon.
-RU-
