By Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/menssoccer/2012/09-26-ms.htm

Playing on a field that more resembled a swamp following a day of rain, the Bluffton University men's soccer team fell to Spalding University, 3-1, on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. The Beavers slipped to 2-6, while Spalding upped its season mark to 3-6.

All of Spalding’s goals came in the opening period with the first coming from Josh Reed who headed in a Julio De Leon free kick. Spalding University’s second goal came from the foot of Colin Peters who was also the recipient of a slick feed from De Leon at the 29:35 mark. Less than two minutes later, Drew Kaphammer made it 3-0 with his third tally of the season.

The Beavers came out of the break the aggressors and piled up a 12-2 shot advantage in the final 45 minutes while keeping Spalding from scoring another goal. In the final minute of the game, freshman Tariq Degraffinreed (Columbus/St. Francis DeSales) put the ball in the back of the net to make the final score 3-1.

Bluffton came out on top in shots by a 21-10 margin. The home team forced one more corner kick than Spalding (4-3). The Golden Eagles were whistled for seven more fouls, 15-8.

The Beavers were led by Nate Byrum (London) and T.J. Kline (Mogadore/Lake Center) with five shots apiece. All five on Kline's attempts were on frame. Sophomore Caleb Berlon (Kettering/Fairmont) added three shots of his own. Jeff Yoder (Elkhart, Ind./Bethany Christian) collected two saves in the setback.

The Bluffton men return to action on Saturday, Sept. 29, when the Beavers travel to Rose-Hulman for the Heartland Conference opener. The contest in Terre Haute, Ind., in slated for 3:30 p.m. following the women's match.