NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Sophomore Matthew Wrobel netted the game-winning the goal in the 88^th minute and Umechi Akuazaoku scored his first goal of the season to lift the St. Bonaventure University men's soccer team over Little Three rival Niagara, 2-1, Wednesday evening.

The Bonnies and Purple Eagles appeared to be heading toward a 1-1 draw until Wrobel had something to say about it.

Following a long goal kick from Nicolas Pucci, the Niagara goalkeeper came out of the box to clear it away. It was not a clean clear and Wrobel collected the ball, unleashing a 30-yard shot that took two bounces and into the back of the net, giving the Bonnies the victory.

With the win, Bona's improves to 3-4-1 overall while Niagara falls to 1-6-1.

For Wrobel, it marks his fifth goal in just eight games this season.

Niagara looked to score the go-ahead goal in the 75^th minute, but Thomas Yegbor managed to clear the ball off the line and keeping the game tied.

After nearly playing a scoreless first half, the Bonnies finally broke through in the 40th minute.

Dean Mercer pounced on a Niagara turnover, playing a ball over the top of the backline of the defense where Akuazaoku timed his run perfectly and punched home the opening score.

Mercer's assist earned him the first point of his collegiate career in his second start while the goal was Akuazaoku's first of the season.

In the 53rd minute, Niagara collected the loose ball following a blocked shot and Stephen Hasse crossed in a ball where Rodrigo Almeida was waiting to head it into the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

Akuazaoku had a pair of chances to give the Bonnies back the lead in the 78th and 80th minutes, but each shot was saved by Niagara's Josh Savoni.

Luca Nicastro though he had the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute as his shot beat the goalkeeper but rang off the post, keeping the game level.

Nicastro had a chance to get the Bonnies on the scoreboard early on in the eighth minute. His shot, however, bounced off the post and away from net and the game remained scoreless.

Pucci finished the contest with one save as the Bonnies led the Purple Eagles in shots on goal, 9-3.

Wrobel and Akuazaoku led the way offensively with four shots while Nicastro and Mercer each tallied three.

The Bonnies return to Atlantic 10 play when they host Fordham Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Marra Athletics Complex. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m.

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