Freeman-Wright 10.26.24
1
Winner Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS (12-4-1, 8-3-1)
0
Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST (6-9-1, 5-7-0)
Winner
Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS
(12-4-1, 8-3-1)
1
Final
0
Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST
(6-9-1, 5-7-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS 1 0 1
Cornerstone (MI) CORNERST 0 0 0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Cam Harper, Director of Athletic Communications

Rittersberger's Goal Extends AQ's Win Streak Against Cornerstone

Aquinas is guaranteed to host the WHAC quarterfinals with fourth-place locked up.

Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas men's soccer team played a crucial conference match Saturday evening (Oct. 26) against their crosstown rival Cornerstone. With AQ vying for a top-four spot on the conference standings, Ricardo Rittersberger returned to scoring form in the 34th minute. That goal ended up being the winner as AQ returned to the win column with a 1-0 result.

The result moves AQ to 11-4-1 this year with a 7-3-1 conference record. Aquinas also locked in at least a fourth-place finish with 22 points. The Saints could potentially move into third place depending on the result on Wednesday.

Aquinas 1, Cornerstone 0

AQ generated several shots over the first 20 minutes, but couldn't quite find an opportunity to stick. However, Aquinas continued to hold possession well and apply pressure, threatening the Golden Eagle backline. Their gameplay paid off in the 34th minute when Rittersberger scored an incredible goal from the left side of the box after an equally impressive header from Josh Freeman-Wright to take the lead.

AQ had another good chance just a couple of minutes later, but CU managed to hold the AQ offense at bay. The first half came to a conclusion with the score still 1-0.
The second half began similarly to the first with AQ controlling most of the scoring opportunities. However, the Golden Eagles began to make a late push in an attempt to level the contest. CU managed its first shot on target in the 72nd. The Golden Eagles then had a couple of corners, but the AQ defense held the line.

Aquinas had to defend several more shots and a pair of corners over the final 10 minutes, but they managed to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the 90 minutes to secure a much-needed win.

By the Numbers:
  • Rittersberger increased his conference-leading goal total for the season with his 15th goal.
  • Freeman-Wright posted his first assist of the season.
  • AQ led the game in both shots (14-8) and shots on target (8-2).
  • The Saints also led the game with 10 corners to CU's seven.
  • Aquinas has now won six consecutive games against the Golden Eagles.

Up Next

AQ closes out the regular season on Wednesday (Oct. 30) with a home match against the Rochester Christian Warriors. 
 
Print Friendly Version