By Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/menssoccer/2012/10-17-ms.htm

The Bluffton University men’s soccer team fell to Manchester University on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. The Beavers dipped to 2-11 overall and 0-5 in the Heartland Conference, while the Spartans improved to 5-11 overall and 3-3 in the HCAC.

The first 32 minutes of the game went by with great defense displayed by both teams. The Spartans' first goal came from a penalty kick by Dian Radev. Bluffton’s response was scored by sophomore Tyson Spence (Arlington) at the 41:44 mark and it evened the match up at 1-1. Less than two minutes later, the Spartans put the ball in the back of the net for goal number two by Radev.

Coming out of the break, the Spartans were ready to score and did so less than seven minutes into the half. The third goal for the Spartans came from Cody Freels who was assisted by Andrew Grey. Freels also scored the fourth goal by Manchester and was assisted by Radev at the 62:31 mark. Freels capped his hat trick with an assist from Zac Hansen 12 minutes later.

The Spartans put their sixth and final goal on the board at the 80:24 mark. Bertin Gisagara put the ball in the back of the net with the assist coming from Ellis Whitt. Less than three minutes later, Bluffton’s T.J. Kline (Mogadore/Lake Center) got past the Spartan defenders to put the ball into the net for a second Beaver goal. He was assisted by freshman Jake Headings (Cincinnati/McNicholas). With less than two minutes left in the game, Bluffton put a third goal on the scoreboard. The final tally came from Wes Corbin (Arlington) thanks to an assist by senior Matthew May (Van Buren).

Bluffton University finished with one more shot than Manchester, 15-14. The visitors were whistled for 12 fouls while Bluffton was called for only seven. Spence led the Beavers with four shots and one goal.

The Beavers return to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 20, when they host Franklin College. The Heartland Conference contest is slated for 2:30 p.m.