September 30, 2015
By: Adriane Bruner, sports information assistant

Stats

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men’s soccer team could not overcome the Cleary College Cougars on Wednesday, Sept. 30, as they fell by a 2-1 count. The Beavers dipped to 0-8 while Cleary improved to 6-6.

The home team came out hot, looking to score and after just over a minute of game play put up the first goal as junior GRANT STUTZMAN (Sugarcreek/Hiland) powered a shot across the line from inside the box. The Beavers maintained their lead throughout the majority of the first half, fighting off countless attempts from the Cougars. It wasn’t until the end of minute 34 that Cleary’s JOSH ALMEIDA notched the equalizer. 

The Cougars weren’t satisfied after one as they continued to attack the Beaver defense and early in minute 40 pushed another shot from MIKAIAH AJAH into the back of the home team’s net. The second half remained scoreless, giving Cleary a 2-1 victory over Bluffton.

Bluffton was outshot by a convincing 26-11 margin. The Beavers were paced in shots with three coming from JAKE HEADINGS (Cincinnati/McNicholas) and two apiece from Stutzman and BLAKE DREWES (Archbold). Bluffton keeper MATTHEW HARDMAN-ZIMMERMAN (Forest City, PA) finished the contest with a commendable 11 saves.

The Beavers will have another chance to earn a victory on Saturday, Oct. 3, when they face off against the Hanover Panthers. Bluffton will take the field at 3:30 following the women's contest at the Sears Complex.

-BEAVERS-