Sept. 23, 2007

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - In his first match of the season, sophomore Matt Culo clinched the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team's 2-1 double overtime victory over Canisius in the 103rd minute earlier this afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field.

With the win, the Bonnies improve to 2-3-1, while the Golden Griffins drop to 1-5.

The Edmonton, Alberta native corralled a loose ball in front of the Canisius net and blasted the game-winning goal past Golden Griffins goalkeeper Adam Catley from six yards out for his first career goal.

Just three minutes earlier, Culo made a decisive save on his own goal line after freshman goalkeeper David Flynn's initial stop bounced to the feet of senior Mariano Sapien in front of the Bonnies net.

"I am very happy for our team," said head coach Mel Mahler. "We have had some tough luck this season, but they deserved today's result."

Sophomore Adam Studniarek registered the contest's first score at the 60:46 mark after a dominating first stanza from the Brown and White. The Polish international gained control of the ball inside the Bonnies box after a missed clearance by the defense and fired the ball past Flynn to give his side a 1-0 advantage.

The Brown and White continued to create scoring opportunities in the second half, outshooting Canisius 8-6 during the period. The Golden Griffins clean sheet lasted 88 minutes until sophomore Joe Miller knotted the score at 1-1 with his first collegiate goal. Miller's shot from 20 yards out snuck between Catley's legs to tie the game with just over a minute to play in regulation.

The resurgence of the club's offensive attack continued this afternoon. The Bonnies posted their first multiple goal match since the 3-1 season opening victory over Cleveland State. For the second time this season, the Brown and White owned a shot advantage over their opponent, outshooting Canisius 20-11.

Flynn picked up his second career victory after making four saves in today's match.

"For us to continue to move forward as a program, we have to understand the need to play with this type of intensity in matches and training sessions," said Mahler. "Once our players understand that, I think they will be happy with the results."

St. Bonaventure returns to action on Friday, Sept. 28, when they travel to Niagara to take on the Purple Eagles at 4:00 p.m.