Box Score Video Highlights

WAYNE, N.J. – Senior forward Hugh Riley (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) struck twice and the William Paterson men's soccer team (8-7-2, 3-5-1 NJAC) secured a spot in the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament with a 2-1 victory against Kean (9-10-1, 0-8-1 NJAC) on Senior Night Oct. 30.

WP's win, coupled with a Rowan 2-1 overtime loss against The College of New Jersey, allowed the Pioneers to clinch the sixth and final spot in the NJAC Tournament field. William Paterson will play at third-seeded Rutgers-Newark in the first round Saturday, Nov. 2, at a time to be determined.

After a scoreless first half, Riley broke the ice in the 51st minute. Senior midfielder Matt Nigro's (Morganville, N.J./Marlboro) corner kick sailed to the far side of the box, and was sent back across the face by sophomore Jose Arevalo (North Haledon, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) to the left post where Riley knocked it in for his fifth goal of the season.

A foul was called against WP inside midfield, but a seemingly quick restart well behind the play caught the Pioneers off guard. The ball was played up the right sideline by senior Stephen Moll and classmate Dominick DeLello fired a shot into the left side netting, leveling the score at the 72:27 mark.

Riley was able to quickly quell the Cougars' momentum, receiving a pass from junior back Marcus Hackett (Montclair, N.J./Immaculate Conception) and finding the inside of the left post from the right side of the box, making it a 2-1 margin in the 75th minute.

Freshman goalkeeper Mike Diacheysn (Nutley, N.J./Nutley) made six saves for the Pioneers, and senior Tyler Callahan had three stops for Kean. The match was a physical one, as the Cougars out-fouled WP by a nearly 2-1 margin (25-14) and five cards were issued.

Prior to the match, WP honored its four seniors – midfielder Kevin Bzdek (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley), Nigro, Riley and midfielder Karl Schroeder (Long Valley, N.J./Gill St. Bernard's).

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