NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A dominant second half led to the Rider Broncs passing by the Iona Gaels, 2-1. A game-winning penalty kick in the 71st minute proved to be the deciding moment as the Maroon & Gold’s record in MAAC play stands at 2-4-0.
The Broncs scored the first goal of the game exactly twelve minutes into the game. Junior Elliott Otmani netted his third of the season in a culminating moment after the Broncs had three corner chances in the opening seven minutes. Junior Jose Aguinaga was credited with the assist.
Sophomore Daniel Huertas tied the score in the 36th minute with his seventh strike of the season. The reigning MAAC Co-Rookie of the Year now has seven goals on the season, and one in back-to-back games. Junior Marcos Nunez earned credit on the assist.
Senior Julian Petrello made two huge saves in the middle portion of the second half to keep the score knotted at 1-1. He nearly kept the score tied in the 71st minute when Aguinaga stepped up the dot for the Broncs with a penalty kick chance. Petrello got a hand on the shot, but the shot deflected off his fingertips, giving Rider the 2-1 lead.
The Gaels did not record a shot on goal after a miss-aimed header by Nunez in the 63rd minute. The Maroon & Gold were outshot 13-3 in the second half.
Iona will look to pick up the momentum on Saturday, Oct. 22 against the Niagara Purple Eagles.
