Box Score
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Strong defense carried the LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team into double overtime, but Rider scored a goal late in the game to take the win, 1-0, on Tuesday night in New Jersey.
Rider controlled most of the action in the first half, with James Greco taking his first shot in the third minute. The Blackbirds were able to get three corner attempts in the first 45 minutes.
Rider had an opportunity in the 44th minute when a LIU foul gave the Broncs a free kick 25 yards out. A shot by Christian Flath sailed straight into the hands of Blackbirds senior goalkeeper John Connolly.
Despite Rider's 7-0 shot advantage, LIU Brooklyn was able to hold off the Broncs and finish the first half tied at 0-0.
The Blackbirds and Broncs battled back and forth with even play for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Sophomore midfielder Tanner Sica took the Blackbirds first shot of the game in the 47 minute.
LIU Brooklyn found momentum in the 66th minute when sophomore midfielder Brian Alumbaugh fired a shot high of the goal. Moments later, an attempt from sophomore midfielder Nahuel Medina sailed just high of the crossbar.
The Blackbirds had a scare in the 76th minute when a foul placed a free kick for Rider 30 yards out. The ball hit the post before a second shot attempt went high to get LIU out of trouble.
Sica had another chance in the 82nd minute, but the ball landed wide. The teams remained scoreless into the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime.
The Broncs fired five shots in the first overtime period but strong defense from the Blackbirds kept any from landing on goal. Alumbaugh had another attempt for the Blackbirds in the 97th minute but the shot was high.
In the second overtime period, the Broncs controlled the shots again, and were able to win the game in the 106th minute after a free kick from 30 yards out was headed in by Sonimi Halliday.
Rider held the edge in shots, 20-5. Connolly made three saves during the match.
LIU Brooklyn returns home this Friday, Sept. 20 to host Houston Baptist at 6:00 p.m. at LIU Field.