ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Marcus Axelsson's second half goal proved to be the game-winner for Fordham as the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team dropped its conference opener on a rainy Friday afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field.

The loss puts the Bonnies just one under .500 at 4-5 overall and 0-1 to start Atlantic 10 play. Fordham improves to 4-5-1, 1-0 for the A-10.

"It's a very disappointing loss for the start of conference play. The playing conditions played more into Fordham's style of play than ours. They are a well-coached team and perform at a high level of effectiveness," said head coach Mel Mahler. "We had a hard time handling their style. It was difficult for our guys to possess the ball. I give credit to them for their first conference win."

Fordham opened the scoring at the 28:52 mark when Tim Richardson sent a quick ball to Alex Brunbauer, netting his first goal of the season.

The Bonnies responding quickly when 21 seconds later, Kevin Okapal sent a pass through a busy midfield to the left side of the box to the feet of Sam Maheu. Maheu used the scramble in front of the net to beat the keeper and score his seventh goal of the game and even the score 1-1.

The Rams owned a 11-6 shot advantage while St. Bonaventure held the edge in corner kicks 4-3. Junior goalkeeper David Flynn racked up five saves in the loss.

St. Bonaventure looks to bounce back as it continues its conference home weekend against La Salle on Sunday at McGraw-Jennings Field. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m.

"Once again we have work to do, we have to get ourselves reorganized, refocused and get ready for La Salle on Sunday and find a way to get three points," said Mahler.