Anelson Azard’s first-half brace powers RMU past St. Bonaventure 2-0

From Robert Morris sports information report

Backed by an explosive multi-goal performance from junior forward Anelson Azard and pristine wing service in the final third, the Robert Morris Men’s Soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to four matches on Friday, dispatching St. Bonaventure 2-0.

With the victory, Jonathan Potter’s squad moves to 3-1-1 overall—matching the program’s strongest five-game start since 2023.

From the opening whistle, Azard set the tone with his off-the-ball movement, testing the Bonnies’ backline with two sharp attempts in the opening 10 minutes. His persistence paid off in the 19th minute. Following an inswinging cross into the penalty area that created chaos in the six-yard box, Azard won the second-ball battle amid a congested scramble, poking home the rebound to give RMU a 1-0 advantage.

St. Bonaventure responded by pressing high, but senior goalkeeper and captain Josh Lane held the line, turning aside two dangerous efforts on goal.

In the 38th minute, the Colonials doubled their advantage through a textbook wide sequence. Making his first career start for RMU, redshirt sophomore Filip Jeppesen exploited space down the right flank before whipping a pinpoint service across the face of goal. Azard timed his run into the box perfectly, redirecting Jeppesen’s cross past the keeper for his second strike of the match.

The Bonnies nearly pulled one back right before the intermission when last season’s leading scorer, Kyle Macfarlane, unpicked the central block with a long-range strike that thudded off the crossbar, allowing RMU to take a 2-0 cushion into halftime.

The second half turned into a grueling, physical battle through the midfield, with referee discipline taking center stage. The tipping point arrived in the 54th minute when St. Bonaventure’s Jack Steel was shown a straight red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the final 36 minutes.

Operating with a numerical advantage in possession, the Colonials repeatedly threatened to stretch the lead on restart scenarios. Tayshaun Reid hit the post with a powerful header off a set piece, and Matthew Eckersall saw his late effort rattle off the crossbar in the final seconds before RMU comfortably saw out the clean sheet.

Inside the Box Score

• Shots: RMU held a 12-9 edge overall (4-2 on target).

• Corners: St. Bonaventure 8, RMU 5.

• Fouls & Cards: Both sides logged 12 fouls. St. Bonaventure received six yellow cards and one red card, while RMU was issued three yellows.

• Milestones: Senior Josh Lane recorded two saves to earn his 14th career shutout and 19th career victory.

• Ironman: Midfielder/defender Abdul Kamara was the lone Colonial to play the full 90 minutes.

Up Next

The Colonials hit the road to open Horizon League play on Wednesday, September 9, traveling to face Detroit Mercy. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.