ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Junior Kenzo Brito scored twice while fellow junior Andres Javitt added another score to guide the St. Bonaventure University men's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Little Three rival Niagara Wednesday evening at the Marra Athletics Complex.
The Bonnies (2-2-1) wasted no time getting the opening goal of the contest.
In the ninth minute, Rafael Pereira found Brito at the top of the box and the first-year Bonnie transfer student blasted a shot into the back of the net for his first goal in a Bonnies uniform.
The Purple Eagles looked to equalize in the 17th minute, but sophomore goalkeeper Nicolas Pucci was able to make a kick save to keep Niagara out of the net.
Niagara (0-5-1), however, stayed on the attack and earned a free kick just outside of the box. Felix Kogler curled in the free attempt, tying the game at 1-1 in the 19th minute.
Bona's was able to apply pressure in the final 15 minutes of the first half, but the game remained tied headed into the break.
In the 56th minute, the Bonnies were able to break the deadlock when Umechi Akuazaoku saw Javitt through on goal. The junior took two touches and curved a shot into the back of the net, giving the hosts a 2-1 advantage and the ultimate game-winner.
Brito gave the Bonnies a two-goal lead in the 63rd minute when Javitt found the midfielder at the top of the box. Brito put the ball on his left foot and fired it past the goalkeeper, securing the 3-1 victory.
Pucci earned his first start of the season in net, making two saves in the win.
Javitt, Brito and Akuazaoku led the Bonnies with three shots apiece while Xaver Ehrlich and Dean Mercer each registered a pair of shots. Also tallying shots on the night were Bo Drath, Mo Tall and Marius Dahl. SBU outshot the Purple Eagles 18-8 Wednesday night.
The Bonnies are back in action Saturday, Sept. 16 when they begin Atlantic 10 play on the road at Fordham. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m. in the Bronx.
---
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.
