In their second Atlantic 10 (A10) contest of the budding season, the Fordham men’s soccer team secured a decisive 3-0 win against the St. Bonaventure University (SBU) Bonnies on Sept. 25. The start of the year for the Rams has been middling in many respects, entering the SBU game with a 2-1-4 record despite having a 7-9-3 season the year before. After an uneventful first half, the Rams exploded in the second to take an insurmountable lead over the Bonnies.

The game was certainly a tale of two halves. As the Rams lined up, attention was placed upon this season’s star, Nathan Simes, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’26. With six goal contributions this season, five goals and one assist, the New Zealander first-year provides young blood for what most consider a veteran-led team. The first half began with 20 minutes of Ram domination, as Head Coach Carlo Acquista’s team looked to set the tone. Although out of possession for large portions, St. Bonaventure never lacked effort, with David Cubillos, SBU ’24, spraying the ball to both wings, advancing play and targeting leading goalscorer Matthew Wrobel, SBU ’25.

Fordham’s dominance in the first portion of the game did not result in a goal, something out of character for Simes considering his recent form. However, his pressure on the back line of the opposition led to the Rams’ control over possession. 

The Bonnies began stamping their presence in the game just before the end of the half when Peter Massoqui, SBU ’23, struck the post in a 1v1 with Fordham keeper Demetri Skoumbakis, Gabelli Graduate School of Business (GGSB) ’23. When the halftime whistle signaled the break, the on-screen statistics did not tell the full story, as Fordham had nine shots to St. Bonaventure’s three.  

The halftime break revitalized the Rams as they came out firing. Their energy overwhelmed the Bonnies, who must have felt as though they were coming back into the game with an opportunity to steal a goal. However, the first attack of the second half was executed by Fordham, setting a dangerous tone. As the Rams pushed down the left wing, Simes intelligently laid the ball off to Jakob Gesien, GGSB ’23, who ultimately missed. 

This pressure set the tone, as the second wind did not come unfulfilled. Adrian Valentine, GSBRH ’23, played a reverse ball across the 6-yard line where midfielder Ben Shepherd, GGSB ’23, buried the ball into the bottom left corner to give the Rams the lead.

Fordham dominated the game, but it was not one that lacked opportunities for St. Bonaventure. However, the Bonnies were not clinical enough, and they suffered the consequences.

The goal seemed to wake up St. Bonaventure, as they began to build pressure with an excellent opportunity for Matthew Wroebl, SBU ’25, around 32 minutes left in the game, but he was unable to capitalize on it. Fordham’s control of the game resumed, when St. Bonaventure goalkeeper Nicolas Pucci, SBU ’26, came rushing out of the goal and fouled Florian Deletioglu, GSBRH ’24. Jack Sluys, GGSB ’23, slotted the penalty kick home to put the Rams up 2-0. St. Bonaventure showed little resistance when mere minutes after, Jed Dixon, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’25, received the ball from penalty winner Deletioglu and put the Rams up 3-0, effectively ending the game. 

Fordham dominated the game, but it was not one that lacked opportunities for St. Bonaventure. However, the Bonnies were not clinical enough, and they suffered the consequences. Meanwhile, the Rams managed to score three goals without Simes finding the back of the net. High-scoring games are undoubtedly a step to regaining the success of two seasons ago when Fordham won the A10 Championship.  

With the win on Saturday, the Rams have broken a three-game tying streak, including a scoreless game against Loyola University Maryland. The Rams drew, 1-1, against Rutgers University on Sept. 26 in their final non-conference game before facing a slate of A10 contests. 

The first of the conference games will be against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen on Alumni Day on Oct. 1.

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