By Dominic LoVallo
Contributing Writer
The St. Bonaventure men’s soccer team has struggled to score recently, netting only one goal in the last five games.
Other than their season opener, where the Bonnies beat the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders 2-1, they have lost every other game, falling to a record of 1-5.
According to sophomore midfielder Kieran Toland, the team lacks the proper mindset.
“Our main problem up to this point is ourselves as a team,” Toland said. “When we go a goal or two down, we tend to put our heads down rather than rallying together to try and get back into the game. We tend to argue over silly things as well, which is a huge problem for the whole team and has to be changed.”
Junior defenseman Bonaventure Akinlosotu, who was injured for the first four games of the season, came back in time to play in last weekend’s Raddison Invitational. Akinlosotu received all-tournament awards for his play. Like Toland, Akinlosotu noted the importance of unified play.
“The boys showed a lot of heart and that’s what we need to proceed forward and start winning,” Akinlosotu said. “When we come together as a team and play for each other, we will succeed.”
According to the Bonnies’ leading scorer, Toland, the team still has eyes on the Atlantic 10 title.
“I believe that if we work hard and believe in ourselves and the team together, we can go and qualify for A10s,” Toland said. “Once we get to A10s, anything is possible, and I believe that we can go far and possibly win the A10s.”
The Bonnies get the chance to resurge their charge to the Atlantics 10 in this upcoming, rival-filled weekend.
This Friday, the Bonnies travel to face the Niagara Purple Eagles, and Sunday the Canisius Golden Griffins come to the Marra Athletic Complex.
“When students come and ‘fill the hill’ it makes it so much harder for the other team,” Toland said. They make it seem like the opponents are playing us and the students. The students continue to push us on and tend to give us a better chance of winning the game.”
Friday’s game begins at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s home game kicks off at 1 p.m.
