Soccer drives within two games of MAAC finals

By Joseph Fallon

Last Saturday’s, Oct. 22, game marked the end of the regular season for women’s soccer. The team they faced was one of their toughest opponents to date, Loyola. It was a tough game, which Rider lost 3-0.

“It was better than we expected,” said senior midfielder Aileen Ascolese. “I’ve played Loyola half a dozen times and have never beaten them. They are very skilled, but we held our own.”

Rainy weather and an unfamiliar turf were two factors that were playing against the Broncs.

“One thing that would have helped us is if it was sunny weather instead of raining,” said head coach Kevin Long. “I think that worked against both teams. It also would have been better if it were grassy turf like our own, instead of short turf. But those are things we can’t control.”

While it was a loss, some believe the Broncs walked away with something important.

“We have to take the positive,” said Long. “Loyola earned their goals. Now we know what the number one team in the up-coming conference plays like, and we can use that to our advantage.”

With the regular season over, the team members, have time to look back over the season and collect their thoughts before they can move forward.

“The last three years were good. We broke scoring records,” said senior defender Jennifer Marcella. “The losses this year were disheartening.”

“It was a disappointing end last year,” said Ascolese. “It’s a disappointing way to end a soccer career. But our overall record doesn’t reflect us as a team.”

The team now faces the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament being held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

“We go to Florida to play in the MAAC conference,” said Ascolese. “It’s usually the top four teams, but every four years all 10 teams get to play.”

The team left Wednesday for the conference in Florida, and is going in with a positive attitude.

“We have a shot,” said Marcella. “We went against all the teams and we showed that we could play.”

“I’m confident we have enough skill for a good run,” said Ascolese. “We’re going in the underdog, which is really beneficial. The other teams aren’t going to expect a challenge from us.”

That is not to say the tournament will be a breeze. The team has a tough road ahead.

“All across the tournament racket, it’s tough,” said Long. “To get to the finals we have to beat some respected teams. It should be pretty interesting. Despite the challenges, we’re excited about our chances.”

The Broncs beat Manhattan on Thursday, Oct. 27. Rider advances to face number one seed Loyola today, Oct. 28.

“We will be our toughest opponent in this tournament,” said Long. “It’s not about the opposing team winning. We have allowed the games to get away from us. We have to bring all of our components for victory in order to succeed in the tournament.”