BUFFALO, N.Y. – Freshman Alicia Elwell booted in the game-winning goal in the 46th minute, helping the St. Bonaventure women's soccer team (3-2) overcome an early deficit and notch a 3-2 victory over University at Buffalo (3-1) Saturday night at UB Stadium.
The Bonnies fell behind early but scored twice in a 1:41 span to take a 2-1 lead. Buffalo – who came into the match riding a three-game unbeaten streak to start the year – answered four minutes later on a free kick to tie the score going into the half before Elwell's winner from Dakota Carroll during a scrum in front of the net 1:31 into the second half.
"This was a great team win," offered Bona mentor Manoj Khettry. "Everyone who played came on and provided us something positive. I'm glad we were able to take advantage of the scoring chances we had, but obviously we'll have to get tighter in the back."
After Buffalo's Taylor Thompson gave the Bulls the intial lead just six minutes in, SBU settled in and answered with a pair of goals – the beginning of a 5:33 stretch in which three total goals were scored. Alyssa Lapp fielded a pass from Elwell and beat the UB keeper high to even the score, with Taylor Broderick heading in a free kick off the foot of Hannah Lapp under two minutes later to give SBU a 2-1 lead in the 29th minute.
The Bulls' Shannon Algoe capped off the first-half scoring with a 25-yard free kick from the left side.
Bona starter Megan Junker made four saves in the first half and gave way to Jennifer Andrews (1-0) in the second.
"For starting the game as poorly as we did, I was proud that our subs, especially Chelsea Smetzer and Carroll, gave us a spark and helped us right the ship," added Khettry. "Jen Andrews' play in the second half was good and she helped us solve some problems we were having organizationally. We're excited to have finally won at UB against a team that was undefeated and hadn't allowed a goal in their first three games."
St. Bonaventure continues its five-game road swing on Friday, when the Bonnies will take on Sacred Heart in the first game of the Army Invitational at West Point.
