Oct. 28, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team failed to score a goal in their second straight contest of the weekend as the Bonnies dropped a 1-0 decision to La Salle at McCarthy Stadium Sunday afternoon.

After entering this weekend's slate with four wins in their last five matches, the Bonnies fall to 5-6-1, (2-3) following consecutive losses in the last three days, while the Explorers pick up their third conference victory in a row to improve to 5-8-1, (3-2).

"It was a difficult weekend for us, but we are encouraged to come home and play two conference games on our home field," said head coach Mel Mahler. "Both opponents this weekend defended very well and we didn't adjust well enough to create more scoring opportunities."

Senior Jeremy Ortiz's second goal of the season clinched victory for La Salle at the 28:59 mark in the game's only score. The Mount Laurel, N.J. native knocked in the game-winner off an assist from fellow classmate Joseph Heavy to send his side to victory for the fifth time this year.

Despite owning a 16-9 shot advantage, the Bonnies couldn't find the back of the net for the fifth time in the 2007 campaign. Sophomore Stephen Bortolon paced the offensive attack with five overall shots.

In an attempt to knot the score at 1-1, the Brown and White fired four shots towards the La Salle net minutes before the final whistle. Junior goalkeeper Andrew Bernhard was forced to make three of his 12 saves in the final four minutes of play.

Freshman goalkeeper David Flynn turned away six shots throughout the match with three saves in each half.

"It's tough to go through a conference weekend without any points, but we have shown the ability to bounce back in the past and we are now focusing on Richmond," said Mahler.

The Bonnies return to McGraw-Jennings Field on Friday, Nov. 2 for a two-game home stand beginning with a 3:00 p.m. kick-off against Richmond.