Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY ANDREW HALE, SPORTS EDITOR
With a win over VCU this Saturday, the St. Bonaventure men’s soccer team (6-6-4 overall, 2-4-1 A-10) would clinch their first winning record since 2010, when the team finished 10-8-1.
The Bonnies had a chance to put themselves into prime position for a playoff bid, however, Bonaventure fell to Saint Joseph’s 2-1 last Saturday, ultimately ending their chances at the playoffs.
“We knew the St. Joe’s game was going to be tough as they had beaten some good teams in the A-10,” said freshman forward Daniel Helle. “However, we still strongly believed that we had a great chance of winning. I think a couple of things went wrong. One being our final third sharpness. We weren’t as sharp as we used to be, and we didn’t shoot enough on goal. We need to become better on set-pieces since that’s how we conceded both of our goals.”
While the team may not make the playoffs this season, great progress was made, according to senior defender Mitch Wambach.
“’I’d say the season has gone great when compared to last year,” said Wambach. “I’m proud to say we were above .500 and were capable of competing for an A-10 playoff game.”
Even with 12 newcomers, this year’s Bonnies roster came as close as any had to making the playoffs over the last few seasons, according to Wambach.
“I’d say the culture is at its best this year,” Wambach said. “I’m glad to say this is my favorite year on the team because I enjoy seeing my teammates every day. I’d call them my brothers because we are so close.”
The Bonnies also had to overcome some growing pains at the beginning of the season given their new additions.
“We struggled a bit in the beginning as it was a very new team with many new starters,” said Helle. “We had to work out each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I believe that we eventually have become a team that can compete against the best programs, which we have also showcased in some of our recent games.”
After losing to St. Joe’s, Bonaventure remains focused on finishing its season on a high note.
“Our team’s mindset is at an all-time high,” Wambach said. “We go into each game knowing we will fight all the way to the end.”
Though the season may be coming to a close, players said their level of preparation for their final match of the season with VCU hasn’t wavered.
“Now that the season is coming to an end, I intend to continue helping the team in the way I have been doing,” said junior midfielder Kenzo Brito. “Taking care of the details is the most important thing, such as nutrition, rest, mental and physical preparation.
With 10 seniors leaving the team after the season, Helle is still confident that the Bonnies can make a push for the playoffs next year.
“Unfortunately, some of our older guys are running out of college years, which means they won’t be here next season,” Helle said. That being said, I still very much believe a playoff spot is likely to happen given that we still have a lot of talent in the squad. More guys are going to be coming in, so I am not at all worried about our team and the season next year. I firmly believe that we will do even better than we have done this year.”
The Bonnies travel to Richmond, Virginia to face VCU in the final game of their season Saturday. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and set to be streamed live on ESPN+.
halea22@bonaventure.edu
