Posted: Sep 01, 2022
After finding themselves down a goal after just three minutes, the Delhi Broncos battled back and ended their first game on the new turf with a well-deserved win. It took a little time but the Broncos started to really get in their groove, playing attacking soccer and putting up quality shots.
Delhi posted 13 of their 22 total shots in the second half, as well as scoring both of their goals.
The Broncos waited for the second half to equalize the Panthers at one goal a piece. Stemming from a beautiful curling shot from just outside the box by Freshman, Matt Serrao who started his college career off hot. He later would show off his passing skills with an impressive assist to pull Delhi ahead.
Michael Williams Jr. was a constant threat at the head of Delhi's attack, putting up eight total shots. He would use his head to score the final goal of the night ultimately giving Delhi their first win of the season.
Sophomore, Erik Kleczkowski was an engine for Delhi, dominating on the ball as well as getting his own shot on goal. In goal, Tucker Garrett bounced back after conceding an early goal and controlled the rest of the game.
"I thought we had a lot of anxious and nervous players today in the first half but we found more of a rhythm with the ball in the second half, said head coach Reutemann, "Freshman Matt Serrao was tremendous in a few crucial moments and gave us the opportunity to set up Michael Williams for a fantastic individual effort. "
After being a part of the opening ceremony for the new Neil Riddell Field, Delhi made sure to capitalize on its brand new turf and start the season on the right note.
With the first win out of the way with a hard-earned comeback, the Broncos look off to a good start under second-year head coach E.J. Reutemann.
They will look onward to their match against Morrisville State on September 3rd at Neil Riddell Field.
Comments from Reutemann:
"It was a day that everyone involved will remember for many years to come with the naming and unveiling of our new turf stadium complex. Neil Riddell is truly a special person who has meant so much to SUNY Delhi and the community and it is a privilege for us to play on a field with his name on it. Now we will have to focus on getting some rest and learn from our slow start to face a very talented Morrisville team here on Saturday."
About Neil Riddell:
Athletics have always been a part of Neil "Butch" Riddell's decorated career, with his reign of success starting in 1961. Riddell qualified for the NJCAA Cross Country Championship and led the Broncos to the Region III Basketball finals, winning the Coach's award in 1962 in the process. After his playing career, Riddell ranked amongst the top officials in college soccer as well as high school soccer and basketball. Riddell officiated Empire State Games for 15 years and would become the 1997 recipient of the New York State High School Referee of the Year. Riddell then was honored as the NYS College Referee of the Year in 2002 and inducted into the New York State Coaches Soccer Hall of Fame. Neil Riddell graduated from SUNY Delhi in 1962 and was inducted into the Delhi Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. We would like to thank Neil Riddell for all he has done for Delhi and the world of athletics.
