SAINT LOUIS – Saint Louis (4-7-1; 2-2 Atlantic 10 Conference) scored with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation to break a scoreless tie and defeat the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team (4-7-2; 0-2-1 A-10) by a 1-0 margin Sunday afternoon from Hermann Stadium.
SLU freshman Robbie Kristo scored at the 80:06 mark when he received a feed from William Hidalgo. Kristo generated an open look and fired past St. Bonaventure keeper Mitchell Mack for the game's only score.
"This was a difficult and disappointing weekend for us," head coach Mel Mahler said as the Bonnies also dropped a 5-1 decision to Charlotte on Friday. "We believed we could have left this weekend with a few points, but we learned we have a lot to improve on both technically and mentally."
Mack made six saves on the afternoon as the Billikens outshot the Bonnies, 16-12, and held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
It was the second time in as many games that Kristo – who received a yellow card in the 36th minute – delivered the game winner, as he also scored in the 88th minute in SLU's 2-1 win over Duquesne Friday.
St. Bonaventure sophomore Brad Vanino and Daniel Iannacito each put two shots on net as part of the seven on the day that the Brown and White put on frame.
"We've put ourselves in a hole to make the A-10 postseason, but we have a chance to correct our shortcomings and be one of the six teams to return to Saint Louis in November for the tournament," Mahler commented. "It's time to go back to work."
The Bonnies will get back to work next against Rhode Island on Friday as they open the home portion of their A-10 slate. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. from McGraw-Jennings Field.
Game Notes: Combined with the win against Duquesne, this was the first time the Billikens have won back-to-back games this season … James Reed, Emmett O'Connor and Steve Carcaterro also put shots on net for the Bonnies … SLU keeper Nick Shackelford made seven saves … three yellow cards were issued – two to the Billikens and one to the Bonnies (Eric Smolarek) … Saint Louis was whistled for being offsides three times.
