UNIONDALE, N.Y. – The Long Island Rough Riders suffered their first defeat of the USL League Two season, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Hudson Valley Hammers at Mitchel Athletic Complex on a Wednesday night.
Francesco Diponzio scored in the 81st minute to snap a 1-1 deadlock, before Giovanni Rivera’s goal gave the visitors some breathing room three minutes into second-half stoppage for a comeback win.
It was a game of missed opportunities for the Riders (2-1-2, 8 points), who remained in third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Hammers (7) improved to 2-2-1 and moved up a spot into fifth place.
Despite outplaying the Hammers in the first half, the Rough Riders walked into the locker room with a frustrating 1-1 tie.
They took to the offensive early from the opening kickoff and the hosts were rewarded for their effort in the fourth minute. Forward Londell Wheeler volleyed in Ayden Kokoszka’s pass from the left flank from close range to give the Riders a 1-0 lead with his first goal of th4e campaign.
Wheeler tried to double the advantage in the sixth minute, but goalkeeper Matheus Franca caught his attempt.
The Rough Riders played a smart, short-passing game, penetrating while finding holes in the Hammers defense.
Wheeler continued to find himself in dangerous scoring opportunities as the Glen Cove, N.Y. native attempted two more shots. His header on the right side of the box sailed wide right in the 16th minute. After Franca saved Kokoszka’s try in the 23rd minute, Wheeler powered the rebound wide left.
The Hammers made the most of their limited chances as they equalized in the 38th minute as Felipe Di Paola knocked in Francesco Diponzio’s corner kick from point-blank range at the right near post past keeper Ethan Wood.
Long Island could not continue its dominance in the second half.
In contrast to the first half, it was Hudson Valley that came out forcing the issue by controlling the midfield over a good portion of the final 45 minutes and injury time. Long Island experienced major problems trying to get untracked while trying to find the rhythm it displayed in the opening half.
The Riders managed to keep the Hammers off the scoreboard for a good portion of the final half, which included a powerful free kick from distance that bounded off the right post in the 74th minute.
Three minutes later, the visitors came close again, but Wood saved Matheus Lucas’ drive to keep the game tied.
However, Diponzio struck a hard shot past Wood for Hudson Valley’s sixth second-half goal of the season in the 81st minute. On a counterattack, Rivera found the back of the net from the right side of the area to seal the game in added time.
The Rough Riders men return to action in the second game of a doubleheader against Morris Elite SC at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Sunday, June 7. The women host Morris Elite SC in a W League match at 3 p.m. before League Two side takes on the men’s counterparts at 6 p.m.
Follow the Rough Riders at www.LIRoughRiders.com.