Quinnipiac men’s soccer started Metro play on the right foot on Saturday, with a first collegiate goal by freshman midfielder Linus Daeumler and stellar play by the stout defense for a 1-0 win over the Rider Broncs.
The Bobcats entered Saturday’s game with a 2-3 record, with two straight disappointing losses to New Haven and Stony Brook.
Rider came in with a different story. The Broncs entered with a 4-1-1 record, already doubling their 2025 win total, and after being picked to finish last in the Metro Preseason Coaches Poll, their non-conference record was the best in the conference.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams feeling each other out. The Bobcats sent long ball after long ball forward, hoping to trouble the Broncs’ defense, which held strong. Ten minutes in, Quinnipiac had the only shot and corner kick of the contest.
As one might expect in a Metro game, play was physical, with Quinnipiac getting called for five fouls compared to Rider’s four through the first 20 minutes of play.
With 23 minutes to go in the first half, Bronc’s freshman forward Chiemeka Azurunwa tipped a pass on net, forcing Bobcat freshman goalkeeper Alexander Hansen to make a good save at hi...