“It was nice to score on senior day,” said Laurinaitis, who took a pass from junior Adam Bailey (Southampton, PA/Archbishop Wood) and scored his first goal of the season just 5:22 into the game.  “I think it was senior day last year when I finally got my first goal of the season, although that wasn’t my senior day.”

“It was great to see Brian get a goal today,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.  “I told the guys in practice yesterday and before the game today that our backs are against the wall, to come out and play or the season’s over.”

Rider (3-9-3) is now 2-3-1 in the MAAC, with three away games remaining. Last year Rider qualified for the four-team MAAC playoffs with a 5-4 conference record, and advanced to the Title Game.

“It doesn’t seem like senior day because we have so many games left,” said Laurinaitis.  “We still have a lot of work to do, and by no means is our season done, we’re still alive.”

Junior Dylan Matlack (Geigertown, PA/Twin Valley) took a pass from sophomore Michael Cintron (Bridgeton) and scored the insurance goal with 25 minutes left to play. “It was great to see Dylan finally get a goal,” said Fager. It was Matlack’s first goal of the season, after scoring four last season.

Rider was called for 12 offsides in the game. “We knew if we got behind them we’d score a couple of goals, and we got behind them a lot today, although most of the time we were offsides,” Laurinaitis said.  “They play an offsides trap.  They step up at the last second right while we’re making our run through. But the coaches told us they didn’t care if we’re offsides 10-20 times, just keep making the effort to get behind them and get a through ball and we’ll get a goal. And we got two.”

Iona out-shot Rider 22-7. “We took advantage of every opportunity we had today,” said Fager.

Rider junior goalkeeper Dan Riverso (Williamstown) made 10 saves for the shutout. “Dan played another great game today,” said Fager.  “I only had to make three or four tough saves,” Riverso said.  “It felt awesome today. Our defenders played well, and we’re still alive.”

Many times ‘Senior Day’ is a time of reflection.  “My fondest memories of my career are from the MAAC tournament last year,” said Laurinaitis.  “Loyola has been such a powerhouse for a long time and beating them here on our field in the MAAC semi-finals was one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of. To celebrate that with our fans was tremendous.”

The Broncs hope to do some more celebrating this season.

Rider travels to Manhattan Friday. “It is going to be very difficult to finish the season on the road,” said Fager. “We can do it, whatever it takes to make the playoffs,” said Riverso.

-RU-