Bulldogs fight, but fall to Rider, 2-1

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite dominating the second half on the offensive end, the Bryant University men's soccer team fell to Rider, 2-1, Sunday afternoon in its home opener.

A very young, but talented Rider (3-1) team wasted little time picking up their third victory of the season paced by a pair of first half tallies. Christian Flath broke the scoreless tie in the 20th minute with a beautiful snipe on a set piece from 30 yards out. The Broncs doubled their advantage 15 minutes later when Adrien Huss found a streaking Zach Bond for his first score of the year.

Finding themselves down 2-0 at the break, the Bulldogs (2-4) opened the second frame looking to control the tempo. After multiple close calls in front of the Rider goal, Bryant was finally able to convert on a Marco Addonizio (Lynnfield, Mass.) header off an assist from classmate Jake Lamar (New Haven, Conn.) Off a set piece from midfielder, sophomore Kevin Tejada (Clifton, N.J.) lofted a beautifully placed ball into the box where Lamar directed a pass toward the goal just in time for Addonizio to finish it off.

Despite multiple good scoring chances, the Rider defense, led by freshman keeper David Pastuna, proved to be too much for the Black and Gold. The Bulldogs outshot the opposition, 13-10, including 9-1 in the final 45 minutes. Bryant netminder Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) stopped four Rider chances in his sixth start of the season while Pastuna made four saves in his third win of the year.

Bryant returns to the pitch on Saturday when they host Holy Cross at 1 p.m.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.