Sept. 3, 2007

WEST POINT, N.Y. - The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team turned in a solid defensive effort against a perennial high-scoring Army attack, but fell to the Black Knights 1-0 earlier this afternoon.

Following a scoreless first half, senior Chris Conklin netted home the game's lone goal at the 64:59 mark to push the Black Knights past the Bonnies. Conklin received a cross from junior Daniel Yu and headed the ball past freshman goalkeeper David Flynn for the club's seventh straight victory dating back to last season.

"It was a typical early season match that involved two teams trying to find their way," said head coach Mel Mahler. "Army is a very well-organized and disciplined club. They created more opportunities and scored a very good goal."

In his second collegiate match in net, Flynn made seven saves to keep the Bonnies hopes alive. The backline of seniors John Darrah and Nick Lopez, sophomore Tyler Bellamy and freshman Brett Allen produced a gutsy effort in front of Flynn to hold last year's 14th highest scoring team in the nation to one goal, but the Brown and White couldn't find the back of the net.

"We had two to three scoring chances early on, but the game can be cruel if we can't bang those in," said Mahler. "It could have been a different story if we did."

The Black Knights controlled the offensive side of game, outshooting the Bonnies 14-3 for the contest. Sophomore Stephen Bortolon led the club with two shots on net.

"The team understands that this was just one game," said Mahler. "Our best soccer is still ahead of us and we are very encouraged going into our next match."

The Bonnies come out of the Labor Day weekend with a 1-1 record to start the year following its 3-1 season opening win over Cleveland State last Friday night. The Brown and White will return to action at the University at Buffalo Tournament on Friday, Sept. 7, to face Central Connecticut State at 7 p.m.