LAWRENCEVILLE--Despite out-shooting the Greyhounds 11-7, the Broncs began the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference portion of their schedule with a loss to perennial MAAC Champion Loyola Saturday. “If we can play like this eight more times we’re going to find ourselves getting about six wins in the conference,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager.

The leading scorer for Loyola (2-7-1, 1-0 MAAC), Omar Alfonso, scored his third goal of the season in the 20th minute of the contest for the only goal of the game.

Loyola has won nine of the last 10 MAAC Championships.

“I think everyone played relatively well and got the job done,” said Fager. “We were just a bit unlucky at the end, balls just didn’t quite get to where they should have gotten to.”

Rider (3-6-2, 0-1 MAAC) senior goalkeeper Dan Riverso (Williamstown) made two saves, while Loyola goalkeeper Justin Chelland made eight saves.

“I thought we played so much different today than we did the past few games,” said Fager. “We possessed the ball much better, we got ourselves into good positions, our work rate was better. I thought (sophomore) Colin Jennings (Wall)had a great game again today. (Sophomore) Evan Lubcher (East Brunswick) played well. I don’t think anyone played poorly.”

The Broncs travel to Western New York next weekend for a pair of MAAC games at Niagara (Friday) and Canisius (Sunday).

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