Teaneck, N.J. – The Rough Riders tied the Cedar Starts 1-1 traveling to New Jersey on Thursday evening in USL League 2 action, getting a critical point in the penultimate match of the regular season.
The Rough Riders came into the match in third place in the Metropolitan Division looking to secure more points in the race for one of the two playoff positions. The Cedar Stars were in fifth place looking to finish the season out strong.
The first half was fought to a standstill, neither team scoring, with the game going 0-0 into the half.
The Cedar Stars struck first with Simon Gorczowski scoring in the 58th minute, putting the Cedar Stars up 1-0.
The Rough Riders couldn’t manage to score, until the 84th minute, when Long Island’s Finlay Oliver received a through ball and beat the keeper to put the equalizer in, 1-1.
Whilst the Rough Riders pressed, they were unable to put another goal in, and the match resulted in a tie.
While the Rough Riders would’ve liked all three points from a win, a tie still keeps them withing striking distance of a playoff spot. The Rough Riders currently sit in third place with 24 points through 11 matches, behind FC Motown with 25 points through 11 matches. Ironbound SC is technically in first place with 23 points through 10 matches, though they play Staten Island ASC Sunday evening which will even out the standings.
The Rough Riders play FC Motown in their final match of the season in control of their own destiny. If the Rough Riders win, they make the playoffs for sure. If they tie FC Motown, they would need Ironbound SC to only get two or fewer points in their last two matches to make it into the playoffs.
All is at stake in the Rough Riders last match of the USL League 2 regular season as they travel to Ranger Stadium in Madison, N.J. to take on FC Motown Friday, July 10 at 8:00 PM.
Stay updated on the Rough Riders and the USL League 2 playoff race on social media or visit www.LIRoughRiders.com.