Rider men’s soccer
By: Jim Green
With several players starting and logging big minutes for the first time this season, the Rider University men’s soccer team simply needed to get everyone on the same page.
With a 2-2-1 record over their last five games, the Broncs seem to finally have done that.
"Were playing much better soccer, that’s for sure," Rider coach Russ Fager said. "I think there are probably a lot of reasons. For one, we’re into that part of the season where guys know they have to play better to get into conference playoffs and the NCAA Tournament. Also, everybody’s more comfortable together. When you have a lot of players at new positions, it takes them more time to get comfortable together. I think were fitter, we’re a lot more focused about the game, and we’re also more focused about the game plan."
Rider opened the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schedule with a 5-1 win over Canisius on Friday at home. Adam Bailey had two goals and two assists, and Lee Tomasso had a goal and two assists. Starter Daniel Riverso (two saves) and Lawrence High School graduate Randall Zapolski (one save) split time in net, as the Broncs improved to 2-6-2 overall.
Bailey leads the team with three goals and two assists for eight points, while Tomasso has a goal and four assists for six points. While Tomasso has been a big-time playmaker for the Broncs of late, his greatest asset is his all-around presence on the team.
"He’s doing well," Fager said. "He’s a kid that, whether his numbers are up or down, he’s just a workhorse for us. You like having him around because of his work ethic and his drive. He’s one of those guys everyone needs to have at least one or two of."
Another key contributor is Hopewell Valley Central High School graduate Donnie Giovacchini, who has settled into his role at center midfield. His versatile ability also allows him to fill in at various times for starting center back Mark Ockenhouse, who has been suffering on and off from an as-yet undetermined musculature problem.
Giovacchini, Mike Juska, Owen Castle and Evan Lubcher are among the key players giving the Broncs big minutes for the first time this season.
"When you keep adding new people to the lineup, it’s a matter of people getting more comfortable with the people around them and what they do," Fager said. "I think Donnie’s doing well. He’s getting to a point where he feels comfortable. He has two places where he can feel like he’s contributing and he feels comfortable."
Fager also has been blessed with two solid goalies.
"Dan’s been steady for us," Fager said. "If he can get a little more help with the crazy things that happen with the game, we’re going to be successful in our stretch run."
As for Zapolski, who has seen action in four games as a freshman, his time will come.
"I think he (Randall) has been fine," Fager said. "He’s one of those guys you like to have around. He’s a worker. He comes to play every day. His heart is in the right place, if you know what I’m saying. He’s doing everything he can to take the next step. He has to be patient and wait until he gets that opportunity, and when he gets it, make the most of the opportunity."
Rider suffered a 4-2 home loss to Niagara on Sunday at Mercer County Community College despite goals by Mike Juska and Mike Colozzi. The Broncs, who dropped to 1-1 in the MAAC, must finish the season in the top four in the standings in order to qualify for the conference playoffs. Rider next will be at Siena at 3:30 p.m. Friday and at Marist at 1 p.m. Sunday.
"Right now, I feel very good," Fager said. "They’re knocking the ball around and getting good chances. There’s nothing that’s going to prevent us from getting there except us. We could be our own worst enemy."