Quinnipiac University
Rider
Men's Soccer Survives Late Surge by Rider, Win 2-1
10/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Hamden, Conn. - The Quinnipiac University men's soccer team survived a late second half scare by the Rider Broncs and took a 2-1 conference victory. Machel Baker (Spanish Town, Jamaica) scored both goals in the first half off a pair of assists from James Doig (Liverpool, England).
Baker started the game off quickly with his first goal coming in the 12th minute of play. Doig setup for a corner kick and sent the ball into the box, but the Rider goalkeeper was able to get a hand on it and deflect the ball high over the crossbar. The sophomore again setup for his second attempt from the corner and put a perfect ball into the box that found the head of Baker for the first Bobcat score.
Fifteen minutes later, Doig and Baker connected a second time to take a 2-0 lead. Doig received the ball in open space near the sideline and fired a cross to a leaping Baker who got a foot on the ball and directed it past the diving keeper. Baker's goal was his fifth of the year and 11th of his career. He leads the Bobcats with 10 points and already has scored more goals this season than any prior year in his career. Last week Baker took home Wilson Player of the Week honors after scoring two goals in as many games including the game winner against Niagara. He has scored four goals in the last three games, all against conference opponents.
Despite the two goals, Quinnnipiac was outshot nine to five in the first frame. Bobcat goalkeeper Borja Angoitia made a couple beautiful saves including a diving stop with 21 minutes to go. Broncs midfielder Florian Valot took a shot from close range, but was stopped short by Quinnipiac's last line of defense. The Bobcats' two shots on goal were their only two of the game.
Going into the second half, Quinnipiac relied heavily on their defense, recording zero shots. Six cards were awarded to five different players in the second half including a red to Angoitia after a brief scuffle. Emotions began to show in a tight conference game, effecting both sides heavily. Backup goalkeeper Brian Westerman entered the game in the 62nd minute and was called upon early. Westerman had a great diving stop on a free kick to save a Rider goal.
Rider was able to convert an unassisted goal in the 88th minute, but was unable to complete the comeback. The Broncs outshout Quinnipiac 21-5 in the contest including 6-2 for shots on goal.
Up next, the Bobcats will travel to Poughkeepsie, New York for a conference matchup with the Marist Red Foxes. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 PM. Quinnipiac will be without Angoitia because of his red card.
