BY WILL POLADIAN, SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
The Bonnies’ three game win streak ended at the hands of the Dayton Flyers on Sunday. St. Bonaventure now stands at 6-7-3 and 4-4-0 in conference play.
The first half was a quiet one. It took until the opening minutes of the second half before a goal was scored. First on the board was sophomore forward Itala Gemelli in the 49th minute for the Flyers. In the 56th minute Diana Benigno scored the second goal for Dayton. The Bonnies would get their lone goal of the game off of Cristina Torres in the 73rd minute making the score 2-1. This puts Torres at 11 goals on the year which leads the A-10. This also puts her 8th all-time for goals in St. Bonaventure single-season history. The Flyers would end up scoring once more in the 86th minute by Gemelli. The Bonnies would end up falling 3-1. The Bonnies were outshot 13-5. Bonnies freshman goalkeeper Chiara Gottinger had four saves which brings her season total to 103 saves which leads the A-10.
Gottinger is unsatisfied and is looking to improve in the games ahead.
“I really wasn’t happy with my performance,” said Gottinger. “I made some mistakes which led to the result that we got scored on, but I have to learn from these mistakes. Now the focus is on the game against UMass. It is a new game and a new chance for me to show a better performance.”
Head Coach Steve Brdarski was disappointed with the outcome of the game.
“Overall, we are disappointed because we know we had a good first half, said Brdarski.” “The team has found a way to come out every A10 game and be ready. We had a let down at the start of the second half, and it made things more challenging. Yet, I love the attitude of this team, they have an expectation that they will win and that they have to play at the highest of levels. We love that grit and spirit that they have, and always relying on your work ethic is what it means to be a Bonnie.”
Gottinger thought that the game was hard fought.
“The first half was really good, said Gottinger.” “We challenged Dayton and offered them not many opportunities. It was hard to find back into the game after these two goals. Cristina’s goal gave us some hope, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for more.”
Brdarski believes that the team needs to have consistency.
“We are who we are right now, said Brdarski.” “It’s not improving as soccer players, it’s just being hyper focused and being consistent in the course of 90 minutes. We have shown what we can do, and we need to replicate that in the next 5 days. The group has great talent, we have depth, and we will need everyone on the same page and doing their role to the best of their ability.”
Gottinger believes that she needs to focus on strengths and the team just needs to focus and take it one game at a time.
“I think personally I have to focus on my strengths,” said Gottinger.” “Yes, I made mistakes, but it wasn’t everything bad. I also gained some confidence during the last games, so I’m not scared of the upcoming challenges. The team itself and everybody of the team has to stay focused. We must perform as a team and fight until the last second together.”
Brdarski wants his team to fight and have Bonas spirit.
“We are looking to play with Bonas spirit for 90 minutes, and to fight for everything that we can, said Brdarski.” “Right now, we are solely focused on UMass and the opportunity to play again.”
Gottinger is looking forward to the next games.
“I’m looking forward to every game, said Gottinger.” “It is always special and every game is different from the others before. We have a goal, and we want to achieve it. We are super motivated and we push each other even more.”
Gottinger believes that the team around her are more important than the numbers she puts up.
“It is incredible that I get the opportunity to play for this university,” said Gottinger. “The stats and awards seem surreal. They sound good and seem nice but they are not that important to me and are only numbers. You should never forget that there is a whole team. At the end we win and lose as a team. What counts for me are the results of the next two games.”
Brdarski believes that his team is special and is proud of their accomplishments.
“Cristina and Chiara are part of a special team, said Brdarski.” “They both know their roles are important to the team and they go out every day doing everything they can to help their teammates and our soccer family. We are grateful that they have been recognized for their play this season and at the same time I think what is missed is what you don’t see in practice that helps us get ready each game, or the little things that other team members do and the leadership we have had. We are very lucky to coach this entire team and proud of what they have accomplished together.”
poladiwj20@bonaventure.edu
