Oct. 31, 2010

Box Score

Emery Welshman is making a strong case to be named MAAC Player of the Year. The sophomore striker and reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year continued his torrid stretch with two more goals Sunday as the Saints posted a 4-1 road win at Rider to clinch a spot in the MAAC Tournament one week before the conclusion of the regular season.

Welshman scored twice in a 12 minute stretch towards the end of the first half and early into the second half, giving Siena (9-6-1, 6-1) a commanding 3-0 lead.

Welshman, who entered the week 13th in the nation in scoring, has now scored 13 points on six goals and an assist during the Saints' current four-game winning streak and has tallied the game-winning goal in each of the last three. Despite missing time earlier this season due to injury, Welshman has still managed to score 25 points in just 13 matches.

The Saints had gotten on the board early when in the third minute a Rider (2-13-1, 1-5-1) own goal gave the Saints' the lead for good. The Broncs would score themselves on a Dan Friga goal in the 66', but Steve Covino came through with his sixth goal of the year in the 82nd minute to push the final margin back to three.

The victory, Siena's fourth in a row, improved the team's record to 6-1-1 in the month of October. Additionally, the Saints scored four or more goals in a match for the sixth time this season. The Saints had entered the week ranking fourth nationally in scoring and have now outscored the opposition 25-7 in MAAC contests this year.

The Saints out-shot Rider 19-12 with both teams attempting nine corners. Phil Chabot stopped two shots to earn the win. Covino added an assist to finish with three points, while James Beeston and Joshua Vlasich also added helpers.

The Saints return home to close out the regular season next weekend with matches against Canisius and Niagara. Siena hosts the Golden Griffins Friday at 2 p.m.