By Dominic LoVallo
contributing writer
After another two-loss weekend, the St. Bonaventure men’s soccer team is still struggling to find ways to score goals, let alone win games.
Friday it was a 4-0 loss to the Niagara Purple Eagles, while on Sunday the team fell to the Canisius Golden Griffins by a score of 3-0 at home.
According to freshman midfielder/defender Anthony Sileo, having an inexperienced team is one of the problems leading to losses.
“We have had our heads down from the past couple losses, and we’re trying to get better,” Sileo said. “It will take a little bit of time, but we’re really looking forward to it, and our goal is to win the A10. So we have a little bit more time to get our things together, couple more games to go and then we really focus on conference games.”
Conference games begin soon for the brown and white. The Bonnies only have three more games until they encounter their first conference opponent, the Virgina Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams on October 7 at VCU.
First-year Coach Kwame Oduro has his game plan set for when his Bonnies take the field tonight against Saint Francis University, he said. Other than having a new defensive style, Oduro said he needs his players to limit mistakes.
“We have made mental mistakes which has cost us.” Oduro said. “Games like these, it is about the team that works the hardest.”
Both Oduro and Sileo noted the young team the Bonnies have this year.
“We have a lot of new freshmen and transfers,” Sileo said. “So it’s a completely new team from last year, so it has taken us a while to get together and build some team chemistry, and the chemistry is slowly coming along, and we are improving slowly.”
Oduro agreed and said he does not expect changes to happen immediately.
“I expected to have growing pains when I took over the program.” Oduro said. “We are rebuilding, and some games may be hard to bare but it is a process that most teams must endure.”
After their matchup this Friday against the Red Flash, the Bonnies get a chance to impress in front of their fans again when they take on the Binghamton Bearcats Wednesday at the Marra Athletic Complex. Players are hoping to get a boost from the home fans.
“The first game was actually pretty good,” Sileo said. “But lately, I understand we’re not really winning any games, but I think a little enthusiasm from the student body would lift our spirits.”
Oduro said he feels that every member of the team needs to help get the season back on track.
“People should come and support our team because our first win of the year, we had a huge crowd,” Coach Oduro said. “Also, in a small-knit family like Bona’s, we should all support each other through the tough and good times.”
Today, the Bonnies kick off against Saint Francis at 3 p.m. Wednesday’s home game starts at 7 p.m.
