Sept. 7, 2007

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Battling blustery conditions throughout the contest, the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team lost to Central Connecticut State 1-0 in the opening match of the University of Buffalo Fall Classic earlier tonight.

The loss drops the Bonnies to 1-2, while Central Connecticut State improves to 1-1.

Freshman Connor Smith scored the game's only goal late in the first half to secure the win for the Blue Devils. The native of England dribbled in towards the goal from the right flank and beat freshman goalkeeper David Flynn near post at the 35:34 mark.

"Central Connecticut State dug in and defended quite well," said head coach Mel Mahler. "We have to give them credit because we couldn't get around them."

With the wind at their backs, the Blue Devils controlled the pace of play in the first half, outshooting the Bonnies 7-2. The Brown and White possessed a 6-2 shot advantage in the second stanza, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Sophomore Samuel Maheu led the Bonnies attack, firing three shots at Blue Devils goalkeeper Paul Armstrong. Reining Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year Yan Klukowski led his side with four total shots.

The Bonnies backline continued its strong play in the losing effort, allowing only one goal for the third straight contest. In his third collegiate game in net, Flynn stopped two shots on the night to keep the Bonnies hopes alive.

"The club has to learn how to overcome obstacles during a match," said Mahler. "Our focus has turned to our next contest and the attempt to get a victory to close out the tournament."

The Bonnies return to action at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the final game of the UB Fall Classic against Siena.