Oct. 4, 2002

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Senior midfielder John Phoumanny (Elmira, N.Y./Elmira Free Academy) scored a pair of goals to lead St. Bonaventure over George Washington 3-1 on Friday afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field.

It was the first Atlantic 10 Conference game of the year for both teams.

The Bonnies improved to 6-2 overall and remained unbeaten at McGraw-Jennings Field, moving to 5-0. The Colonials fell to 4-5.

Phoumanny made it 1-0 just 3:56 into the game when he followed a rebound off a shot taken by senior midfielder Bob Hammer (Syracuse, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy). Hammer was credited with an assist.

Freshman midfielder Dan Bowen (Tallahassee, Fla./Maclay) put the Bonnies ahead 2-0 in the 28th minute when he tapped in a crossing pass from freshman defender Ryan Ercoli (Rochester, N.Y./Aquinas).

George Washington cut the lead in half 1:11 into the second half on a goal by Arnar Johannsson.

Phoumanny cemented the win with another rebound goal, this time in the 47th minute. Junior midfielder Geron DuPorte (Scarborough, Ontario/R.H. King Academy) took a shot that caromed off the crossbar behind GW keeper Derek Biss and Phoumanny converted the rebound.

St. Bonaventure sophomore keeper Sean Eyde (Tuscon, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic) made one save and recorded his fifth win of the year.

"That was the best 90 minute game we played all season," said head coach Bill Brady. "It was a big win for us mentally and helped us gain confidence. We lost to them last year and it's great to start the conference schedule with a win."

St. Bonaventure continues Atlantic 10 play this Sunday when it hosts Richmond at 1:00.