Bonnies drop match to Duquesne, 3-1

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The St. Bonaventure men’s soccer fell short in its comeback effort losing 3-1 against Duquesne at Rooney Field on Friday evening.

The Bonnies now sit at 9-7 overall and 5-3 in the conference, St. Bonaventure is now one win shy of registering double-digit victories for the first time since 1999.

“It was a game of two different halves. Duquesne played a spirited match and we gave them a good lead going into the half,” said head coach Mel Mahler. “I’m encouraged with the fight we showed in the second half getting it to 2-1, we were in good shape.”

After trailing 2-0 at the half, the Bonnies scored their only goal quickly coming out of half time, but surrendered another goal late in the game. Sam Maheu netted the Bonnies lone goal in the at 60:29 off a pass from Fabrizio Savarino for his 11th score of the season and his league-high 29th season point.

Duquesne scored its first two goals just one minute apart in the 42nd and 43rd minutes. The first goal was scored by Matthew Groves and the second by Tyler Tompkins.

Duquesne would pump in the game’s final goal in the 85th minute past junior keeper David Flynn. Flynn picked up four saves in the loss.

“Their third goal was a result of us pushing forward and we had to take chances. All in all we’ve learned the need to play with purpose, focus and energy. Our plan is to carry our second half play into Sunday’s match.”

Each team recorded 17 shots and combined to strike 24 of the 34 shots of the game in the second half.

The Brown and White return home to face Dayton on Sunday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day at McGraw-Jennings Field. Live stats will be provided for the game on www.GoBonnies.com.