Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team used four goals from Chase Rider to defeat LaRoche 7-1 on Saturday.
The Panthers struggled out of the gate, as they were not able to take advantage of their opportunities early and eventually fell behind 1-0 in the 24th minute. The visitors were able to take the lead after the Panthers failed to clear away a free-kick. The lead did not last long, as Chase Rider took over in the 29th minute. Rider tied the game with an incredible solo effort down the left-wing. Rider was able to beat two LaRoche defenders on the dribble and sprint towards the goal, calmly sliding a shot into the bottom left corner to even the match at one. He struck again just 6 minutes later. Jan Winnewisser chipped a long pass over the LaRoche defensive line which Rider was able to reach and toe-poke a shot underneath the onrushing Redhawk goaltender for his second of the match.
The Panthers pushed their lead to 2 in the 39th minute, with Rider playing provider on the effort. Rider collected a long cross that passed through the LaRoche box without any player being able to touch the ball. He curved a cross that was able to avoid the goalkeeper and be headed home from close range by Spencer Sklar. The goal was Sklar's second in as many games. Rider's assist was his 5th. While he picked up the assist on the Panthers' third goal, Rider was able to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. Austin Hogan dribbled around a primary LaRoche defender and then was fouled just inside the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty. Rider stepped up and calmly slotted his shot into the corner for his third goal of the game.
Just after the break, Rider was able to score his 4th and final goal of the match just 34 seconds into the half. Scott Compson was able to collect a pass on the run down the right-wing and play a cross to the back post where Rider headed home his 4th of the game. Compson assisted on a second Panther goal in the 60th minute. Rider dribbled towards the Redhawk goal yet again but played a pass into Compson near the 6. Compson took a shot that was able to be parried away by the goalkeeper but went right to Joe Magro who was able to put the ball in the net for the Panthers 6th of the day. The goal was the first of the freshman midfielder's career. Compson picked up his third helper of the day on the Panthers' final goal. He received a pass from Morounfoluwa Olorunyomi and after taking one touch, slipped a pass behind the LaRoche line. Devin Stowe was able to race past the defense and calmly finish into the bottom corner.
Rider was incredibly efficient in his 4 goal performance, scoring on all four shots he took. He currently leads the AMCC in goals with 12. The assist was his 5th of the season, which leads the Panthers. Sklar scored his second goal of the season in the game, while Magro and Stowe opened their collegiate accounts. To go along with his 3 assists, Compson took 2 shots, putting one on target. The Panthers outshot the Redhawks 29-7 in the game, with Jan Winnewisser leading the way with 6 shots. Sihle Sizani picked up the win for the panthers, making 2 saves while allowing one goal. Jared Scarlett replaced him in the 63rd minute and played the final 27 and change without facing an attempt on goal.
The Panthers are now 4-5-1 on the season with a 2-1 record in conference play. They will hit the road to take on Penn State Behrend under the lights in Erie. The game will kick off at 7:30 on Wednesday Night.
