Junior Kristina Paich assists Rider in its 4-3 victory over Monmouth, winning in straight sets 7-6, 7-5, 6-4.

By Rocco Schirripa

The Rider men’s soccer team tied with The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders Tuesday, with a score of 1-1 in double overtime.

The only goal of the game for the Broncs (1-5-2 overall)was scored by sophomore Jim Bradley off a short pass by senior Anthony Gilbert, who was fed the ball on a crossing pass by freshman Connor O’Keefe. For Bradley, this was his first goal of the season and sixth of his career.

NJIT started off the scoring in the 20th minute of play off of a rebound from Rider goalkeeper Dylan Hastings.

This lead did not last long as the Broncs tied it right back up in a matter of seconds at 1-1, which lasted throughout regulation and into double overtime.

“We played to the level of our opponents,” said Head Coach Russell Fager. “We have had three strong efforts from our squad while playing games with so many injured
players sidelined.”

NJIT out-shot the Broncs 16-9. The game was Rider’s second straight tie in a row, bringing the Broncs back from a shaky string of losses after the first game of the season.
“I thought a couple of our chances we were a bit unlucky with, but that is the nature of the game,” Fager said.

The Broncs broke their five-game scoreless streak on Sunday with a 2-2 tie against the Delaware Blue Hens in double overtime.

Sophomore Andrew Cotes stepped up to score both goals for the Broncs, while senior Even Lubcher got both assists.

“As Even Lubcher gets healthier, he is showing his talents on the field by finding the open player and keeping the game simple,” Fager said.

Delaware scored 16 minutes into the game, jumping out to a quick lead of 1-0, but that didn’t last long as the Broncs tied it up only a few minutes into the second half.
Only five minutes later, the same tandem did it again to give the Broncs the lead at 2-1 with 90 minutes remaining in regulation.

Delaware out-shot Rider 20-17 and 7-3 in overtime on Sunday. Senior goalkeeper Randall Zapolski made four saves for the Broncs.

Rider has played the past two games with four starters sidelined with injuries. The Broncs hope to at least have three back before the conference games start.

“Our back four played well and everyone gave it their all throughout the game,” Fager said. “Colin Jennings played inspired soccer, defending throughout the game and making runs forward near the end of the game. He is a real warrior.”

The Broncs match up with the Temple Owls at home today at 4 p.m.