By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Mher Naljayan scored two goals to lead Riverside to its second victory of the season on Wednesday as the Rebels topped Belle Chasse 2-1 in Reserve.

“I was pleased with our fight and our scrappiness,” said Riverside coach Stephen Millet. “But especially, I was pleased that we found a way to win. We were in a lot of games that I thought were competitive last season, and we couldn’t finish.

“Here, we kept ourselves in position to get it done and hold it. And that’s important, because January is gonna be here before we know it.”

The Cardinals scored the first goal of the game, but Naljayan popped in his first score with five minutes remaining before halftime.

At that point, Millet says, the Rebels (2-3) adjusted some things defensively.

“We were able to shut them down for the most part after that,” Millet said.

Midway through the second half, the Rebels took the lead when Naljayan scored again, this time on an assist from Beau Gaudet – who Millet moved from his usual goalkeeper position into the field, playing up top.

“Sometimes, he can help us a little more in the field, especially when we’re keeping possession,” said Millet.

From there, the Rebel defense held firm — albeit wading through some tense moments.

“It was quite the scramble,” Millet said. “We were able to seal it.”

Millet said that coming up with the win was indicative of the improvements his team has made since the beginning of last year.

“I told our guys last season that there would be some rough times, but to just stick with it and believe in the system,” said Millet. “Now we’re starting to see the results and the benefits.”