The Rider University men's soccer team kicked off their 2026 season with a 1-0 victory over James Madison, marking their first win against a G5/P4 school since 2017. Emmanuel Dan-Adokiene scored the lone goal of the match, assisted by Chiemeka Azurunwa, while goalkeeper Marius Helias delivered crucial saves to secure a clean sheet. The Broncs showcased a strong defensive performance, successfully thwarting multiple scoring attempts from the Dukes. With this win, Rider starts the season with a 1-0-0 record, while JMU holds a record of 0-0-1.

By the Numbers
  • Rider achieved their first win against a G5/P4 school since September 2017.
  • The Dukes outshot the Broncs 14-12, while both teams registered 4 shots on goal.
State of Play
  • Rider had 67% possession in the midfield, dominating time on the ball.
  • Both teams had equal possession overall, each at 50% for the match.
What's Next

The Broncs are set to play Howard on Friday, August 28, in their home opener at 7:00 p.m. in Lawrenceville, looking to build on their season-opening victory.

Bottom Line

Rider鈥檚 solid team performance, effectively combining defense and opportunistic offense, sets a positive tone for the season ahead. This victory demonstrates their potential and resilience as they move forward.