HOUSTON – Goals from Umechi Akuazaoku and Rashid Aroza propelled the St. Bonaventure University men's soccer team to a 2-0 season-opening victory over Houston Christian in the Lonestar State Thursday night.
In the 39th minute, Akuazaoku found himself in front of net with enough space to get off a shot, but was blocked by an HCU defender. Akuazaoku, however, stayed with the play and slotted home his first goal of the season off the rebound. Transfer student Mo Tall was credited with the assist on the play, marking his first point in the Brown and White.
The Huskies were on the offensive in the first half, tallying 11 shots. Bonnies senior goalkeeper Jules Dechert, however, kept the hosts out of the back of the net with a trio of saves.
Bona's struck for the second time in the 69th minute when a pair of newcomers linked up to make it a two-goal game.
Kenzo Brito found the foot of Aroza and the junior finished the shot for his first goal with St. Bonaventure.
Houston Christian looked to breakthrough in the 84th minute, but Dechert turned away the shot, securing his second shutout as a Bonnie and finishing with five saves on the night.
Brito paced the Bonnies with three shots while Rafael Pereira, Bo Drath, Aroza and Akuazaoku finished with two shots apiece. Marius Dahl, Daniel Helle and Tall each added a shot for the Brown and White.
For the Bonnies, it marks their first win on the road to start the season since defeating Bucknell, 1-0, in 2017.
Bona's returns to action Sunday, Aug. 27 as they continue their Texas swing when they travel to San Antonio to take on Incarnate Word. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
---
For the latest news on St. Bonaventure athletics, stay connected on social media. Follow the Bonnies on Twitter @GoBonnies and get men's soccer updates @BonniesMSoccer. Keep up with the Bonnies on Facebook /GoBonnies and on Instagram @GoBonnies.
