DiNardo picks up Bonnies' goal

KINGSTON, R.I. – The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team saw its season come to an end in the Atlantic 10 Tournament as Dayton scored two back-to-back goals late in the second half to defeat the sixth-seeded Bonnies 3-1.

Dayton's goal off a corner kick in the 82nd minute broke the even score. Jack Pearson headed it off a Zach Weiss kick right past junior keeper David Flynn to go up 2-1.

“Anytime the season ends its disappointing however we have a lot to be proud of. Dayton is a very good team and we played well enough to put ourselves in a position to win. After a sub-par first half, we played very well in the second half, leading to the game-tying goal,” said head coach Mel Mahler. “Unfortunately a few miscues lead to Dayton's second goal and as we tried to get back into the match their third goal was a result of us pushing too many players into the attack. Give credit to Dayton they're the favorite to win the tournament.”

The Flyers tacked on one more just over a minute later when Jeff Popella drew Flynn out of the net, touched to the left and shot to a wide open net to close the game.

Senior David DiNardo knocked in a goal in the 75th minute. Junior Chris Leko dribbled across the box and got off a quick pass to DiNardo. The Ottawa, Ontario, native then shot to the left post past Dayton keeper Tyler Picard.

Dayton opened the scoring on the board late in the first half after a loose ball landed in front of the Bonnies' net, Dayton's Issac Kissi shot slipped past Flynn for Dayton to lead 1-0.

The Flyers held the offensive edge in shots (18-10) and did not let St. Bonaventure get a corner kick, but put in nine of their own. Flynn picked up seven saves in the loss.

“I'm very proud of this team and their accomplishments. It's been a true pleasure to witness the senior class accomplish their goal. I know they will leave St. Bonaventure leading a wonderful legacy and do great things throughout their lives upon graduation.”