Rudy’s Goal Gives Men’s Soccer 1-1 Draw with JWU (Providence)

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rival, JWU (Providence), on Friday evening at Merrill Field.

With the result, the Raiders snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Wildcats, dating back to 2017. The draw moved Rivier to 5-4-6 overall (3-3-5 GNAC), while JWU now stands at 12-1-3 (9-0-3 GNAC).

The Wildcats controlled possession early, creating the first scoring opportunity in the ninth minute as a ball played over the top of the Rivier defense found Conner Elliot, who finished with a first-time shot into the back of the net to give JWU a 1-0 lead. The Raiders responded quickly, as Jonathan Rudy curled a free kick past the outstretched arms of the Wildcat goalkeeper into the top left corner to equalize the score heading into halftime.

Both teams had chances in the second half, with Rivier's best opportunity coming in the 83rd minute. Sophomore Jayden Medlin delivered a cross to the back post, but a diving Hayden Bilodeau couldn't connect on the backend of the pass. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended 1-1.

Sophomore goalkeeper Logan Clough recorded ten saves in the contest.

The Raiders return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 23 as they take on Anna Maria on Cancer Awareness Night at Merrill Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.