By Sports Staff
The St. Bonaventure men’s soccer team faced off against the Rams of Virginia Commonwealth University in the first round of the A10 playoffs yesterday, losing 4-1.
Going into the game, the expectations were higher since the Rams were ranked 22nd in the nation when the Brown and White upset them in Olean just last week.
VCU got on the board first with a goal by Siad Haji in the 27th minute. The goal was the only point scored by either team in the first half. Going into the second half, the Bonnies gained some steam as they created a charge on the offense.
In the 61st minute, sophomore forward Jacob Dyck scored his second goal of the season, which tied the game up at 1-1. Assisting the goal was freshman defenseman Nicola Bonso, who obtained the loose ball and passed it out to Dyck for the equalizer.
The Rams quickly responded with a free kick goal in the 66th minute by Rafael Santos to take the lead back. VCU then added another goal six minutes later, this time by Luc Fatton. Santos scored for the second time in the game as he put one in the back of the net in the 82nd minute.
The match was played closer than the score had appeared it to be. The match was tied for 65 minutes and played with a one-goal difference through the 71st minute.
The Brown and White attempted eight shots total, but only three were on net. Junior goalkeeper Luke Iacobellis had seven saves for the Bonnies. Kieran Toland, Kosi Nwafornso and Dyck each led the team with two shots apiece.
The Rams will continue their journey toward the A-10 title as they look to face off against their next opponent in the quarterfinals, which will be played at Dayton, Ohio. VCU improves their record to 11-5 with yesterday’s victory.
The Bonnies finished the season with an 8-9-1 record. The team increased its win total for the third straight season and they made its first playoff appearance since 2013. Also, the teams eight wins matched its most since 2013.
