The Rider Broncs begin their 2026 season with an away match against the Wagner Seahawks on Thursday night at Hameline Field in Staten Island. This will mark the sixth consecutive year the teams meet for the season opener, following Wagner's narrow 1-0 victory last year. Historically, Rider holds an advantage with a 9-6-1 record against Wagner since their first encounter in 1997, having won eight of the last 12 matches. Rider aims to improve upon their 2025 finish of 3-8-7, while Wagner comes off a successful season, crowned NEC champions.

By the Numbers
  • Rider's record against Wagner: 9-6-1 since 1997.
  • Wagner's overall 2025 record: 11-3-6, with an 8-1-2 NEC performance.
  • Ashley Moore in goal: recorded 1,428 minutes, 85 saves, and 6 shutouts in 2025.
Yes, But

Though Rider has a historical edge against Wagner, their recent performance and a low preseason poll position indicate potential challenges ahead. The Broncs' struggle in the previous season raises questions about their ability to turn things around this year.

State of Play
  • Rider is predicted to finish eleventh in the Metro Conference preseason coaches poll.
  • The Broncs return key players, including scoring leaders Tess Ferrie and Ava Ferrie, hoping to revitalize their offense.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Rider will need to address their scoring efficiency and strengthen their defensive plays to compete effectively. A successful start against Wagner could provide momentum for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

For Rider to succeed this season, they must leverage their past experience against Wagner while improving upon their recent struggles. Focusing on team cohesion and defense will be crucial for achieving better results in 2026.