Men's Soccer: Rivier falls to MCLA, 2-1

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier University Men's Soccer team dropped an non-conference contest this evening to visiting Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 2-1 at Joanne Merrill Field. The loss sends the Raiders' overall record to 0-4-1 while the Trailblazers improve to 1-4-0 on the season.

MCLA broke the scoreless tie early in the first half. Freshman Rafael Castro (Cartagena, Colombia) streaked through the middle of the River defense to collect a perfect through ball from senior Garrett Derosia (Berlin, N.Y.) a net his second goal of the season on a clear breakaway advantage.

Castro would then add to the Trailblazer lead in the 68th minute as he collected a loose ball at the top of the 18' and bounced it off the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Rivier would cut the lead in half during the 72nd minute. After a foul allowed the Raiders a free kick from roughly 25 yards away, freshman Kelvin Cortez (Meriden, Conn.) was able to gather the blocked free kick and drill it into the back of the net to make a 2-1 game. It was Cortez' fourth goal of the season and his third consecutive game netting at least one goal.

MCLA freshman Peter Sherman almost added an insurance goal in the 81st minute however his shot that sailed past the Raider keeper was cleared out from along the goal line by freshman Tyler Demeral (Raynham, Mass.) to preserve the one goal deficit.

Rivier senior goalkeeper Collin Deyarmin (Raymond, N.H.) made four saves on six chances. MCLA freshman keeper San Edge (Williamstown, Mass.) earned his first collegiate win with six saves on seven shots.

The Raiders will return to action on Saturday afternoon as they host Anna Maria College in a 12pm Great Northeast Athletic Conference contest at Joanne Merrill Field. MCLA will host Bridgewater State University in MASCAC action on Friday evening at 6pm.