ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure University men's soccer team dropped its season-opener to Saint Francis (PA), 1-0, Thursday evening at the Marra Athletics Complex.
The Red Flash broke the deadlock in the 77th minute when Julian Jakopovic set up over a free kick and found the head of Sean Smolyn in the box, allowing him to head home the game-winning goal.
Bonnies goalkeeper Jules Dechert fended off a pair of chances in the 83rd minute, stopping Saint Francis from growing its lead.
Peter Massaquoi had the best scoring chance of the night in the 84th minute when he rocketed a shot near-post. Unfortunately, the Red Flash goalkeeper was there to make saves.
Massaquoi had a chance to open the scoring in the 28th minute, placing a header into the lower left side of the net but the Saint Francis goalkeeper was able to lunge and make the diving stop.
With time winding down in the first half, Umechi Akuazaoku looked to give the Bonnies the lead with his shot in the 44th minute, but once again the SFU keeper was there to make the save.
Dechert made seven saves in net in his St. Bonaventure debut. Massaquoi led the Bonnies with three shots while Akuazaoku tallied a pair of chances. SFU goalkeeper Jordaine Jaeger made three saves on the night.
The Bonnies look to bounce back on the road Monday, Aug. 29 at Central Connecticut State. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
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