Olean, N.Y.- Saint Francis men's soccer opened up their 2024 campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over St. Bonaventure on Thursday night. 

"This win was earned by the entire group." Saint Francis Head Coach Mads Kaiser said. "The preparation and focus has been excellent by everyone, and it feels good to see the team rewarding themselves for all their work they put in."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

>> Joschi Schelb and Fabian Wagner, both of whom were NEC All-Rookie Team selections last season, scored their first goals of the season in the match. Schelb assisted on Wagner's goal. Schelb netted himself a brace on the night. 

>> Alex De Nittis and Rodrigo Mendes each tallied assists on the second and third Red Flash goals respectively.

>> Niclas Becker recorded his first clean sheet with Saint Francis in the contest. The sophomore made four saves. 

>> The Red Flash outshot the Bonnies 13-7 on the night. 

 
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME 

Schelb broke the ice on the 2024 season for Saint Francis with a goal from 22 yards out off of a free kick in the 21st minute. 

Wagner headed home a goal in the 37th minute that was setup by a great cross from Schelb. 

Schelb scored a header of his own in the 54th minute from a Mendes cross. 

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

Alex De Nittis recorded the first shot of the game for Saint Francis in the 18th minute but it went just wide. 

After the first Schelb goal, Maximus Rigby went for goal in the 32nd minute, but his shot sailed high. 

After Wagner's goal, De Nittis tried to extend the Saint Francis lead in the 42nd minute but it again went wide. 

Just minutes later, Jacob Adams took a shot that soared over the crossbar, 

Schelb tried to net his second goal in the 48th minute, but his shot missed wide. 

A few minutes later, Adams made an excellent deflection on a dangerous Bonnies shot to create an easy save for Becker. 

After the hour mark, Parker Brennan and Schelb tried to extend the Red Flash lead, but neither could convert their chance. 

In the 79th minute, St. Bonaventure had an excellent chance from a cross into the box, but Becker made an even better diving stop across the goal to keep his clean sheet intact. 

In the 85th minute, De Nittis tried to net his first goal of the year but was denied by the keeper. 
 

FLASH NUGGETS 

Mendes notched his first Division I point and De Nittis grabbed his first career point.

Parker Brennan, Connor Louden, Ty Mikula and Jonah Wolf all made their collegiate debuts in the contest. 

Louden and Mikula made their first career starts. 

Adams, Becker, Mendes and Connor Oechslin made their Saint Francis debuts in the match. 

The Red Flash have now won their last three season openers in a row. 
 

UP NEXT 

The Red Flash will head down to Morgantown, W. Va. For a primetime clash with #3 West Virginia on Aug. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The matchup will be their first time ever playing a top five opponent.