LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — Senior midfielder Maddie Temares' second-half goal was the difference-maker in Columbia's 1-0 victory over Rider at Ben Cohen Field on Sunday afternoon, marking the Lions' first shutout performance of the 2019 campaign.
 
With the win, the Lions rise to 2-1-1 overall, while the Broncs fall to 2-2-1 on the young season.
 
"I think overall the team played a quality game in terms of coming out and dictating the game we wanted to play," said Columbia head coach Tracey Bartholomew after the win. "We were able to have a handful of shots and a number of corner kicks to get us going. I would've liked to have finished a few more opportunities just to help us feel a little better about the attack we were generating, but it was great for the team to get the first shutout and I don't think we gave up a shot, so that part for our team was really positive. We held down and really defended as a team."
 
In the 51st minute, senior forward Bailey Peacock set up Temares' game-winner with a cross straight to the feet of her fellow senior. Temares collected the ball from 15 yards out, hammering the shot with her left foot past the keeper into the right side of the net. The goal was Temares' first of the season, while Peacock's assist was her first of the season and just the second of her career.
 
"It was a great sort of senior combination moment when Bailey and Maddie sorted themselves out for Maddie to get that great shot," said Bartholomew. "Going into the spring, this group [of seniors] really put it on their backs to want to have a successful year. They've really pushed the teams in terms of improving our fitness level, improving the things that we do with the ball and defensively as well. That part was so important and they've really been pushing the team forward every day. From training environment to what they're doing off the field and making sure our minds are in the right place, doing what we need to do to be successful."
 
Columbia overall was dominant on both ends of the pitch, outshooting Rider 13-0 in the match, six of which were on goal, as well as posting an 8-5 edge in corner kicks. Temares and first-year forward Ally Clark each notched three shots and two shots on goal apiece to lead the Lions in the attack.  
 
First-year goalkeeper Liz Matei earned her second-straight win between the sticks, initiating some important stops off corner kicks. The shutout marked her first clean sheet of the season.
 
After playing three of their first four games on the road, the Lions return home on Thursday, Sept. 12, welcoming Saint Joseph's to Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium for a 7 p.m. start on ESPN+.
 
"The girls are really excited about playing at home," added Bartholomew. "From our standpoint, we'll be focused. Saint Joseph's is a great team, they've got some great players. We've had some great games against them, so we've got to turn around and prepare for a high-level game that will ready us going into conference."   
 
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaWSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.