ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team (1-6) picked up its first win of the 2012 campaign in their home opener, defeating the Red Flash of St. Francis (Pa.) (2-2-2) 1-0 in overtime.

After battling to a 0-0 tie in regulation, the first overtime period produced fireworks quickly. Just over five minutes into the period, the Bonnies worked their way into the Red Flash zone and got fouled. Brad Vanino opted to take the free kick near the endline, outside of the box, to the right of the St. Francis goal. Vanino blasted a line drive into the box which deflected off of a SFU defender and past the diving goalkeeper for the game ending score.

Vanino fired a team high eight shots while putting four on goal. Junior Emmett O'Connor had numerous chances inside of six yards but couldn't find a way to put it past Red Flash goalkeeper Daniel Valcicak.  

SBU goalkeeper Abel Bautista made the first start of his career and made three saves. Combine that with a solid defensive effort and the Bonnies pick up their first shutout since Oct. 23 2011 when they tied UMass 0-0.

"I was pleased with our team defensive effort" head coach Mel Mahler stated. "It enabled us to stay in the game until we found a way to score."

A relatively un-eventful first half ended with the score knotted at zero. The teams combined for 11 shots and took one corner kick each. St. Bonaventure dominated the offensive pace in the second half, contantly getting chances on quick strikes but Emmett O'Connor but could not find the back of the net. By game's end, the Bonnies outshot SFU 20-10, forcing Valcicak to make nine saves.

"It's good to get our first win" said Mahler. "But we have a lot of work ahead of us and I'm anxious to get back to training tomorrow."

Next up, the Bonnies will make it a Little 3 weekend when they travel to Canisius on Friday (Sept. 21) before welcoming Niagara to McGraw-Jennings field for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff on Sunday (Sept. 23).

GAME NOTES: The 1-0 victory snaps a program record 16-game winless streak. The Bonnies committed six fewer fouls (15-9) than SFU. SBU outshot the Red Flash 12-5 in the second half. 20 shots are a season high. 10 shots on goal are also a team high.