Bradford, Pa. – Chase Rider had a season for the record books in 2021 for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men’s soccer team. Along with setting program records in the season, Rider has become the second Pitt-Bradford athlete to be named a statistical champion by the NCAA.
“This is a great accomplishment for Chase,” said head men’s soccer coach Nate Whitehurst. “He worked really hard over the past four years and deserves all the recognition he has received.”
Rider led the nation with 3.60 points per game in 2021. Soccer players are awarded 2 points for a goal and 1 for an assist. Rider finished the season with 22 goals and 10 assists in 15 games played. He was also tied for the national lead in goals per game with 1.47, tied for 2nd in total points with 54, and 4th in total goals. He set program records for goals, assists, and points in a season.
“It’s an honor to be the first Pitt-Bradford soccer player to achieve honors nationally,” said Rider. “I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches that have pushed me to work my hardest throughout my career.”
Rider becomes the first Panther to be named a statistical champion by the NCAA since 2018 when Austin Parent of the baseball program led the country in batting average (.496) and on-base percentage (.616).
“This is also huge for our program,” added Whitehurst. “To be recognized and represented on the national stage is something that hasn’t happened before for our program.”
The Panthers finished the season with a 7-8-1 record with a 5-4 record in AMCC play. They earned the 4th seed in the AMCC playoffs and hosted their first postseason game in 10 years.
