ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The men's soccer team (1-1-0, 6-5-0) got an overtime score from freshman Nicholas Perillo to defeat preseason Atlantic 10 favorite Saint Louis (1-1-0, 3-4-2) this afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field, 1-0.
Perillo netted his second career goal following a failed clear attempt by the Saint Louis backline. After making a run down the right side of the pitch, Kevin Mjaatvedt centered the ball into the box and a Saint Louis defender's clear made its way directly onto Perillo's foot. The Bayshore, N.Y., native then turned and fired from the top of the box, beating Billikens' netminder Nick Shackelford low and right.
"He had done some training yesterday under the exact same scenario: getting balls on top of the box, taking a touch, turning and shooting," head coach Mel Mahler said. "Nick's done a tremendous job filling in for Fab (Fabrizio Savarino) since he went down with a hamstring injury."
The Bonnies controlled the tempo the majority of the game, outshooting the Billikens, 19-12, and out-cornering them, 5-2. Goalkeeper David Flynn made five saves on the day, earning his third shutout of the year and 17th of his career. The senior turned away many quality scoring chances, including one from point-blank range late in the second half.
"Dave played well this weekend," Mahler said of the Lancaster, Pa., native before discussing the defensive line protecting him. "David DiNardo, Kevin Okapal and Kolby Banker – making his second career start – did a great job. These are tough matches to perform well in, and as a group I thought they did well."
The Billikens were tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the A-10, and today's victory was the first in St. Bonaventure's history over the Billikens (1-5-0). The Bonnies finish their first A-10 weekend with three points against the preseason top-2 teams in the A-10 (Charlotte).
"To be selfish I would have loved to get six points," Mahler said. "But to be able to bounce back after a difficult loss on Friday proved to me that we have great character. We'll build on this and get ready to go on the road this coming weekend."
The Bonnies will travel to Philadelphia for a matchup against La Salle on Friday before heading to the Bronx to face the Rams of Fordham on Sunday.
