September 15, 2006 - Rider 0 San Diego State 0 (2ot)
September 15, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men’s College Soccer
Rider University 0, San Diego State University 0 (2o.t.)
SAN DIEGO, CA—The Broncs held off the powerful Aztecs for 110 minutes, coming away with a scoreless tie in their first game of a two-game trip to Southern California. “They are a very good side, no question about it,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.
“Our objective was to limit their quality shots, to keep them off the board, and we accomplished that,” said Fager. “We defended very well. After traveling 3,000 miles, and playing a team of this caliber, I’m happy with a tie.”
Rider (3-2-2) recently moved up from ninth to sixth in the North Atlantic Region, while San Diego State (3-2-1) was ranked 10th in the Far West Region but was ranked in the national top 30 until last week. The Aztecs were ranked as high as 21st the second week of the season. The Aztecs out-shot Rider 28-7.
Rider senior goalkeeper Dan Riverso (Williamstown) made seven saves for the shutout. “Riverso played well,” said Fager. “He made a great save early and some key saves in overtime.”
“They were pretty good, talented, but for all the shots they had, they didn’t have that many opportunities to score,” said Riverso. “Maybe two or three good chances. They were a big challenge, and we met it. That’s what we want, to play quality teams. If we reach our goals of winning the MAAC and advancing to the NCAAs, this is the kind of team we are going to see, so this is a good experience.”
Sophomore Mike Juska (Wall) had three of Rider’s seven shots, and both of Rider’s shots on goal. The Broncs had five shots in the first half, three by Juska and two by senior Dylan Matlack (Geigertown, Pa./Twin Valley). “Early on Dylan and Juska had some chances,” Fager said, “and in the last four or five minutes of the second overtime we were in their 18 and they couldn’t get us out.”
Rider stays in Southern California to take on the University of San Diego Sunday. “I think Sunday is going to be even tougher,” said Riverso.
-RU-
