BRADFORD, Pa. – The Saint Joseph's men's soccer team (2-12; 1-5 Atlantic 10 Conference) scored off a set piece in the first overtime on Friday afternoon to defeat St. Bonaventure (4-9-3; 0-4-2 A-10) by a 1-0 margin from Parkway Stadium.
After a St. Bonaventure foul in middle of the pitch, the Hawks' Brendan Reilly fired his direct kick from 40 yards out through the wall, on the ground and inside the left post past a diving Mitchell Mack. The goal snapped a 10-game losing streak by Saint Joe's, and gave the Hawks their first conference points of the season.
"Today was a day where you have to give all the credit to Saint Joseph's; stats don't mean a thing," head coach Mel Mahler said of his team's 26-10 shot advantage. "Saint Joe's stayed in the game, defended well, created quality chances, but the bottom line is they found a way to win.
"They hung around and celebrated a great win; I have great admiration for a team that can do that. Our focus is to use the remaining three games to become a better soccer team."
SBU dominated the opening of the second half, and were rewarded with seven corner kicks in the first 12 minutes of the period. The best chance the Brown and White had came in the 50th minute off a Brad Vanino corner. Sophomore Eric Smolarek headed a ball back across the box and off the left side of the crossbar back into the waiting arms of the SJU keeper.
The Bonnies jumped out to a furious start off the opening kick, controlling possession for a majority of the opening 15 minutes of play as they attempted nine shots before the Hawks got their first shot of the afternoon off. By the halftime break, Bonaventure had attempted 14 shots, forcing SJU keeper Andrew D'Ottavi into six saves in the opening 45 minutes.
D'Ottavi entered the contest ranking eighth nationally in saves per game with 5.75 per outing, and he made 10 on the day en route to his second shutout of the year.
St. Bonaventure returns to action on Sunday as it completes its weekend swing of Philadelphia-based schools as the Temple Owls head to town. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. from McGraw-Jennings Field, and any changes will be posted on GoBonnies.com.
Game Notes: The Bonnies out-cornered the Hawks, 11-1, including a 9-1 disparity in the second half … both of Saint Joe's wins this year have come via shutout … the Hawks committed 12 fouls, while Bona's was whistled for five … sophomore Emmett O'Connor attempted seven shots, while classmate Daniel Iannacito took five … the game was played at Bradford High School's Parkway Stadium due to an unplayable McGraw-Jennings Field following snow and rain all week.
