Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY MICHAEL PEPLINSKI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
St. Bonaventure men’s soccer (2-3) takes on rival Niagara (1-5) today, hoping to bring back yet another win against a struggling Niagara team. Both teams looked to gain momentum early in the season, and this promises to be a hard-fought matchup.
Shots on net will play a key factor in the Bonnies coming out on top. Shot leader and senior forward Umechi Akuazaoku will be a continuous threat on offense, followed by point leaders and seniors Keegan Dawson and Andres Javitt.
The Bonnies look to shut down Niagara’s glimmer of hope in senior forward Felix Kogler and graduate forward Gerard Lopez Forner. Kogler leads Niagara in goals (3), assists (2), points (8) as well as doubling the next closest player with shots (22). Following Koglers lead, Gerard has two goals and one assist.
Niagara has struggled defensively, giving up just under three goals a game on average while the Bonnies have a slight advantage with allowing two goals a game. It is early in the season though and both teams are out to prove themselves.
Bonaventure’s attack, led by Dawson, Javitt and Akuazaoka look to test Niagara’s defense and goalkeeper. Bonaventure’s ability to break through the struggling Niagara defense will be crucial if the Bonnies expect to come out with a win.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. today, Saturday Sept. 14 at Niagara University. The game will be free to attend and available to watch on ESPN+.
