Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Rider scored four first half goals, with the three assisted by freshman forward Abi Cottam, to steal a 4-1 victory over the Manhattan women's soccer team on Friday in Lawrenceville, N.J. Lady Jaspers junior midfielder Marissa Greco scored Manhattan's (7-8-2, 2-4-4 MAAC) lone goal in the 50th minute marking her first of the season.
"Rider played very well," explained Manhattan head coach Sean Driscoll. "They finished on every scoring chance in the first half. Based on our five consecutive good performances leading into this match, we did not play to our potential today."
Rider (6-10-1, 2-6 MAAC) rushed out to a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. Freshman midfielder Demi Mello put in the Broncs first goal at the 4:04 mark when she converted a 23 yard strike just over the reach of Lady Jaspers freshman goalkeeper Kara Davis. Junior forward Lauren Musumeci added the second score at 9:24 when she finished on a header off a cross.
In the 31st minute Rider struck for the third time when Natalie Sica finished from four yards out on Cottam's third assist of the day. The Broncs extended their lead to 4-0 in the 37th minute when Alison Brody settled a loose ball and finished from five yards out.
Manhattan went to senior goalkeeper Caitlin Trupiano in the 39th minute, and she held the Broncs scoreless for the final 51 minutes of the match. Trupiano and Davis each recorded one save.
The Lady Jaspers finally got on the scoreboard in the 50th minute when Greco blasted a penalty kick into the back of the net for her third point of the season. It marked her first goal at Manhattan and second of her collegiate career.
Manhattan outshot the Broncs 9-6, but Rider goalkeeper Jenn Nichols was the difference as she logged five saves in the match. The Lady Jaspers also owned a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Manhattan completes the regular-season Sunday at Loyola. Kick off is slated for 1 p.m.
