The last two seasons have ended with some frustration for the Rider University women’s soccer team, and those returning are anxious to reverse the trend.

Two seasons ago, the Broncs lost in the conference semifinal and last season they were 90 seconds away from qualifying for the conference playoffs and those haunting memories exist for most of the 2025 roster.

“We have a group of juniors who lost in the semifinals two years ago and last year’s freshman group missed out on playoffs with 90 seconds left to play in the last game of the season,’’ recalled Rider coach Drayson Hounsome, who is in his 18th season. “They are definitely hungry for success.’’

The Broncs open the season on Monday at Ben Cohen Field at 7 p.m. against Wagner (0-0-1).

Rider is coming off a 4-9-4 overall season and a 3-6-3 mark in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and were picked for ninth in the 13- team league’s preseason poll.

Defending champion Fairfield was the top choice.

One of the things that plagued the Broncs in 2024 was the inability to score goals as they were 12th in the MAAC, tallying only 14 goals.

Sophomore Tess Ferrie was a bright spot as a freshman with four goals and three assists, sophomore Ava DeGeorge had two goals and three assists, junior Noa Menzing had three goals and Courtney Carter had three goals.

“Offensively, we scored less goals against key opponents last season,’’ said Hounsome. “So, that is obviously the major area we need to improve on this season.’’

The Broncs are a very young team with just three seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and six freshmen wearing Cranberry and White.

Despite the youth, the Broncs have a ton of leaders who are ready to step up and help get everyone to the next level.

“Bethie Morgan, Ava Ferrie, Ava DeGeorge and Courtney Carter all look strong on the field and should be able to have an impact,’’ said Hounsome. “Morgan, Carter, Ava Ferrie are juniors and Ava DeGeorge is a sophomore and all will bring a lot of experience and will be great mentors to the newcomers”

One of the question marks will be in the goal as All-MAAC performer Ellie Sciancalepore has finished her graduate studies.

Sophomore Kaia Lyn and freshman Ashley Moore have both shown some promise in the preseason, but the starting decision has not yet been made.

One aspect of the game that will help both young goalies is a solid back line that has been impressive in training.

“We are further ahead defensively than I expected us to be this early in pre-season,’’ said Hounsome.  “We have a strong unit of defensive players, ‘keepers included, who look well connected.’’

Morgan, Carter and Leah Marcell are the returning players along with some freshmen who will look to keep the opposition contained.

The Broncs have been close to some of the goals they have set the last two seasons, now they are hoping  to exceed them.

Originally Published: August 17, 2025 at 7:08 AM EDT