ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team (2-2-0) bounced back from a loss Thursday night to defeat visiting Saint Francis (Pa.) (2-2-0) this afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field, 1-0.

In a game which at times featured seven freshmen for the Bonnies on the pitch at one time, freshman Emmett O'Connor scored the game's lone goal in the 20th minute from fellow freshman Brad Beaumont. Beaumont set up the Ajax, Ontario native, who beat a defender at the top of the box and fired a rocket which deflected off the underside of the crossbar.

"It was a great goal; it was just brilliant," head coach Mel Mahler said of the midfielder's tally. "Emmett is a player who has the ability to score like that."

As they did in their season-opening 1-0 victory over Cleveland State, the Bonnies made a single goal stand up primarily because of their defense. That defense, anchored by senior David DiNardo, but flanked – at times – by freshmen, limited the Red Flash to what Mahler deduced were three quality scoring chances.

One of the Red Flash's best chances to get the equalizer came with just four minutes remaining as senior midfielder Patrick Fleming had a clear look at goal but curved his shot just on the outside of the right post.

"I was encouraged defensively," Mahler said. "We kept our shape, we were organized in the back except for a few chances and I think we only gave them two or three quality chances for them to equalize."

Mahler was also encouraged by the way his freshmen played, specifically Beaumont and O'Connor, but also with the play of midfielders James Reed and Brad Vanino. Reed, playing primarily on the left side of the pitch, was "brilliant" in the eyes of his coach, serving quality balls and possessing the ball when needed.

"I think a lot of our first-year players grew up today," Mahler added. "Quite frankly, without their efforts, I don't know if we would have won."

The Bonnies outshot the Red Flash, 15-11, including 10-5 in the second half when Saint Francis sent more players forward in search of the equalizer. Senior goalkeeper David Flynn was rarely tested, having to make just four saves, but earned his second shutout of the season and 16th of his career.

This was the Bonnies middle game of a three-game-in-six-day stretch. Mahler's club will get little rest before their next matchup Tuesday night at the University at Buffalo at 7:30.

NOTES: Senior Brett Allen played the game with a cast on his right hand after breaking two bones in that hand in the season opener … after a first half in which no corner kicks were taken, seven were taken in the second half, including five for St. Bonaventure … three yellow cards were issued: one to the Bonnies and two to the Red Flash.