Rider Men’s Soccer Opens Season with High Expectations Following Recent Success
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University’s men’s soccer team begins its 2024 campaign riding a wave of recent success, aiming to continue its dominance in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The broncs, coming off a 2023 MAAC tournament Championship and a share of the 2024 MAAC Regular Season Championship, are poised for another strong season under Head Coach Chad Duernberger.
Duernberger has quickly turned the program around, achieving 26 wins in his first two seasons – a mark that ranks ninth in NCAA Division I. He inherited a team that had won only three games in 2022. Rider was selected second in the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll,trailing only Iona,whom they’ve faced in the last two MAAC Championship games. Rider won the 2023 contest,while Iona secured an overtime victory in 2024.
several key players return for the Broncs,including senior midfielder Theo Da Silva,named MAAC Preseason Co-Player of the Year.Last season, Da Silva started 16 of 17 games, scoring three goals and providing five assists – tying for the team lead and ranking fifth in the MAAC. Joining him on the Preseason All-MAAC Team is sophomore defender Max Schrader, who started all 19 matches in his freshman year. Schrader played a crucial role in a defense that allowed only 14 goals, boasting a 0.69 goals-against average (3rd in NCAA) and 10 shutouts (4th in NCAA) – both league bests.
Fresh faces will also contribute, with Landon Lackner and other newcomers making their debuts.Historical context & Rivalry Spotlight:
Rider holds a 5-3 all-time series lead over Villanova, but the Wildcats have won the last two matchups, most recently a 2-0 victory in the 2021 season opener. Rider’s last win against villanova was a dramatic golden goal victory by Christian Flath with just two seconds remaining in overtime in 2016.The Broncs boast a rich history within the MAAC, with six conference championships - second-most in league history and the most among current members. Rider ended Loyola (Md.)’s eight-year championship streak upon joining the MAAC in 1997, securing consecutive titles in 1997 and 1998.
Looking Ahead – Key Departures & Program Momentum:
Despite the optimism, rider faces challenges with the departure of key players. MAAC Golden Boot recipient Momo Diop transferred to Marshall,and MAAC Golden Glove honoree Adam Salama moved to San Diego. Five other seniors have also graduated. Da Silva is the only returning All-MAAC selection from last year’s squad.
However,the program’s recent success is undeniable. rider has secured eight All-MAAC selections in each of the last two seasons, setting a new program record. The Broncs aim to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of MAAC and NCAA tournament success.
Identifying an Angle: The article focuses on the program’s recent turnaround and sustained success under Coach Duernberger, positioning it as a team to watch in the MAAC and perhaps beyond. The historical context highlights Rider’s established program strength, while acknowledging the challenges of replacing key players.
