Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY ANDREW HALE, SPORTS EDITOR
The St. Bonaventure men’s soccer team fell 4-0 to VCU in the final game of the season Saturday. With the loss, the Bonnies finished the season 6-7-4 overall and 2-5-1 in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
While the Rams were able to hold the Bonnies scoreless, the final score didn’t seem to represent their level of play, according to many Bonaventure players.
“The score doesn’t say how the game really went, but unfortunately that’s what matters at the end of the game,” said junior midfielder Kenzo Brito. “I think at certain moments we dominated the game and had some chances but made silly mistakes that resulted in goals. VCU was more effective than us and deserved the win.”
Bonaventure finished the season on a two-game losing streak, but the team was much improved in 2023 record-wise, winning three more games than in 2022.
2023 marks the first time the Bonnies have had six wins since 2018, when the team finished 7-9-1.
Scoring was also up for the Bonnies in 2023. Bonaventure averaged 1.41 goals per game compared to last year’s 0.75. Junior forward Umechi Akuazaoku added to the 88% increase as he finished tied for the team lead in goals with five.
“I am definitely happy to achieve that success, however it’s bittersweet because we really wanted playoffs as that was the main goal,” said Akuazaoku. “It hurts to not achieve that. I’m grateful for my teammates for helping me achieve this goal because without them the goals and assists don’t happen.”
Durability and consistency were also big for the Bonnies as seven players appeared in all 17 games, including Akuazaoku and Brito.
“This is also the result of a lot of physical work,” said Brito, who led the team in points. “Taking care of food, rest, mind and seeking to improve performance, my statistics show my consistency. And I think I had an excellent season, but there is a feeling that we could go further.”
That feeling of “more” looms large across the team as the Bonnies were only four points out of a playoff spot.
“I think the team performed well,” said Akuazaoku. “We had one of the better seasons in Bonaventure men’s soccer history, so I think there is still a lot to be proud of even though we didn’t reach our goal. There were so many ups and downs throughout the season, and we fought till the end. I am so proud of this group of guys and what we accomplished, but I know there is more in store for us in the future.”
With the hope that a majority of the roster returns for next season, players are hopeful that a playoff bid is in their near future.
I believe that we are going to make [the playoffs] next year if the whole team buys in,” said Akuazaoku. “I know that we will have a solid squad that can do damage in the A-10, especially because not a lot of guys are leaving. The level of play in the A-10 Conference is getting closer and closer every year.
When the Bonnies return to the field in 2024, they said they will step on the pitch with high expectations.
“My expectations [for next year] are high,” said Brito. “I see great potential in our team. We planted one week this season and hope to harvest it next year by going to the playoffs and fighting for trophies. We always have to think big — that’s something I’m used to.”
halea22@bonaventure.edu
