October 30, 2006 - MAAC Honors Rider's Jones/Riverso
October 30, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men’s College Soccer
Rider’s Jones/Riverso Honored by the MAAC
LAWRENCEVILLE— Rider University seniors Tim Jones and Dan Riverso were honored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in the final week of their careers, with Jones being named the Offensive Player of the Week, and Riverso being named the Defensive Player of the Week. “I think it’s great that we got these awards,” said Rider head coach Russ Fager. “I wish it would have happened more often.”
Jones (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cumberland Valley) scored 2:03 into the second half to give Rider a 1-0 lead in a 2-0 win over Manhattan in his final collegiate game. “It was a great way to end by career here,” Jones said.
“I think Tim Jones is a quality player,” said Fager. “The fact that he scored two goals over the weekend against two quality opponents shows that. I’m very happy for him.”
Riverso (Williamstown), the Preseason All-MAAC goalkeeper, allowed one goal in 187 minutes of action last week, leading Rider to a pair of MAAC victories. Riverso made nine saves in the overtime win against Saint Peter’s, many at point blank range. “He’s the best keeper in the conference, hands down,” said Fager. “I’m just very pleased that at the end of the year the team was able to play well in front of him, and get him the kind of recognition he deserves.”
“I got to play another overtime game,” said Riverso. “I milked as much time out of this season as I can.”
“Dan’s reactions, his understanding of the game, his ability to read the game is just incredible,” said Fager. “I’ve never seen him have to make as many point blank saves as he did last week against Saint Peter’s.”
In the season-ending win over Manhattan, Riverso compiled his 10th career shutout in his final collegiate game. “The shutout for Dan was great,” said Fager.
Riverso led the MAAC with 91 saves this season and was third in the conference in shutouts with four.
Earlier in the week Jones scored to give Rider 1-0 lead with 15 minutes left in regulation against Saint Peter’s. “We hadn’t been putting the ball away when we have had those opportunities, and that time Jones did,” Fager said. “Jones is gifted with his feet and he can find the goal,” Fager said.
He is also gifted in the classroom. Jones is a two-time member of the MAAC All-Academic team.
-RU-
