Nov. 2, 2007
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Following consecutive scoreless performances in 1-0 losses to Fordham and La Salle, the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team defeated Richmond 2-0 with two first half scores on Friday afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field.
With the win, the Bonnies snap a two-game losing streak and improve to 6-6-1 (3-3), while the Spiders drop their fourth match in a row to fall to 4-11-1 (1-5).
"I thought we played one of our better matches of the season this afternoon," said head coach Mel Mahler. "Our focus was to put together a solid 90 minutes and for the most part, we were able to accomplish that goal."
The Brown and White wasted little time in getting on the board as sophomore Stephen Bortolon tallied his second goal of the season less than five minutes into the match. Bortolon headed the ball past senior goalkeeper Eric Sciocchetti from five yards out off of a cross from senior Nick Lopez at the 4:32 mark.
Just over 20 minutes later in the opening stanza, Lopez picked up his second and third points of the contest when his 35 yard laser into the top left corner of the net beat Sciocchetti in the 27th minute to put the Bonnies up by two.
Freshman goalkeeper David Flynn picked up his second collegiate shutout and second in four contests to seal the victory for the Brown and White. The Lancaster, Pa. native stopped three shots for his sixth win in his rookie season.
For the second straight contest, St. Bonaventure possessed a shot advantage over its opponent by outshooting the Spiders 12-7. Sophomore Samuel Maheu led his side's attack with four overall shots.
"This afternoon was a wonderful team effort and is what is necessary for this program to move forward," said Mahler. "The play of our substitutes was very encouraging as they stepped in and gave us positive minutes that prevented any drop in momentum."
The Brown and White return to action on Sunday afternoon in their final home game of the season when George Washington visits for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Prior to the start of the game, the Bonnies' eight seniors will be honored in recognition of their careers in the Brown and White.
