St. Bonaventure, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure men's soccer team (5-3) falls to the Rider Broncs (5-1) by a score of 1-0 on a chilly Sunday afternoon.
The Bonnies would have chances often but failed to capitalize on them. In the first half, Kolby Banker would have three chances to head the ball in but would head the ball into the crossbar all three times. Nicholas Perillo would get the second best chance against the Rider defense after receiving the pass in front of the net but ended up sailing the ball over the crossbar. The Brown and White would have 10 shots in the first half but only one being on target.
The Broncs found themselves ahead early after scoring in the 14th minute. Prior to the goal occurring there would be a scramble in front of the net. SBU goalkeeper, Jeremy Figler went out to punch the ball out of danger but missed which lead to Warren Holmes gaining possession. Holmes then would pass the ball across the face of the goal to tap it into the back of the net for the 1-0 victory.
After the game Head Coach Mel Mahler added "I give Rider credit for finding a way to score & defend with a passion to get a great road win. Again we struggled finishing our chances & we created some wonderful opportunities – more than enough to win."
He continued on by saying "Defensively we have to be smarter & mentally tougher. It was one of those days when we hit the post too often & had some bad McGraw-Jennings field bounces prevent certain goals. It's a frustration we have to overcome & re-focus in training this week to prepare for two well-coached teams in Binghamton & Canisius."
Perillo would lead the team with four shots with one on target. Brad Beaumont, Emmett O'Connor and Banker would be right behind Perillo with three shots today. Brad Vanino and Andrew Derayeh also recorded two shots of their own.
The Bonnies hit the road to Binghamton on Friday, Sept. 27 for a 7 p.m. start before heading back home to take on Little 3 rival Canisius on Sunday, Sept. 29. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
