EMMITSBURG, Md. (November 6, 2024) – Mount St. Mary's clinched a berth in a conference tournament for the first time since 2008, gaining entry to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship. While the outcome of Wednesday's game did not factor towards securing the spot, the Rider Broncs ensured the Mount would travel for the tournament by winning the match, 3-0.
The Mount will be the No. 8 seed in the playoffs and will face Iona, the No. 1 seed and Co-Regular Season Champions. The Gaels were instrumental in helping the Mountaineers Wednesday, defeating Saint Peter's – their last obstacle to the postseason.
Wednesday's game with Rider began in a stalemate, with neither team finding the back of the net before halftime. Early in the second half, it appeared to turn in the Mount's favor as the ball appeared to hit paydirt following a free kick. The offside flag went up, and the goal was disallowed. Rider responded by scoring several minutes later and adding two more for good measure.
Despite the result, Mount St. Mary's returns to the postseason for the first time in 16 years. Back in 2008, the Mount got a spot in the Northeast Conference Championship, advancing past Monmouth on penalties before falling to Fairleigh Dickinson in the title game. The Mount is seeking its first championship in the sport as a Division I program.
Kickoff for the MAAC quarterfinals will be on Sunday (Nov. 10) at 1 p.m. from Mazzella Field in New Rochelle, New York.
