Kearny, N.J. – With the Metropolitan Division championship hanging in the balance, the Rough Riders stage a gutsy comeback in the second half winning 4-3 over Paisley Athletic Monday evening at Harvey Field Complex in USL W League action.

With the lead in the Metropolitan Division, the Rough Riders control their own destiny, and would win the division if they win the rest of their games. Paisley Athletic is in a distant third place, but could still vie for the championship if Long Island were to falter.

Paisley Athletic struck first and early in the match thanks to a goal from Addison Halpern in the 10th minute, 1-0.

Long Island was controlling play for much of the first half, but gave up another goal in the 38th minute. Paisley Athletic had a long free kick near the halfway line. The long free kick found Paisley Athletic’s Arancha Antunes whose header found the back of the net, making it 2-0.

Despite being down into half, the Rough Riders came out with a vengeance in the second half, scoring four unanswered goals. Kayla Pardini scored in the 50th minute on a penalty kick after a handball in the box was called on Paisley Athletic.

Long Island’s Kayleigh Goodrich launched a shot from just outside the 18 on the right side looping over the keeper’s outstretched glove, tying the game in the 66th minute, 2-2.

The Rough Riders would take the lead in the 82nd minute. Olivia Jungkunst crossed a corner kick, but she got the ball back and took a tight-angle shot that deflected off the keeper’s glove and in to the net, 3-2.

Micala Boex would add an insurance goal just two minutes later, taking a pass from midfield and beating the high press scoring, putting the score 4-2.

The insurance goal would end up being needed as Paisley Athletic got one goal back in added time. Halpern again scoring after taking the ball down the right wing and scoring near post, 4-3.

The Rough Riders held on in the dying minutes of the game, securing the victory, 4-3.

With the win, the Rough Riders maintain first place in the Metropolitan Division with two games to go, in firm control of their own destiny. With the loss, the Paisley Athletic stays in third place.

For tickets and more information on both the men’s and women’s teams, visit www.LIRoughRiders.com.