By Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/menssoccer/2012/10-20-ms.htm

The Bluffton University men's soccer team fell to Franklin College 3-2 on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. The Beavers dipped to 2-12 overall and 0-6 in the Heartland Conference, while Franklin improved to 6-7-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the HCAC.

The first 29 minutes of the match passed with both teams showing off their defense, but at the 29:12 mark Franklin put the ball in the back of the net. Andreas Kapsalis was assisted by Austin Fundenberger, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Less than six minutes later, Franklin's Drew Hutchens notched the second goal for the Grizzlies, making the score 2-0.

After battling poor field condition for nearly 35 minutes, the officials opted to move the remainder of the contest across Augsburger Road to Bluffton's practice facility. A 45-minute delay ensued before play resumed. With less than two minutes left in the period, sophomore John Harbeck (Mansfield/Christian) headed the ball past the Franklin keeper to cut the deficit in half. Harbeck was assisted by freshmen Adrian Ramirez (Archbold).

Both teams came out ready to fight in the second half, again showing their defensive skills for the first 40 minutes of the period. Franklin's third goal was scored on a deep ball by Fundenberger at the 86:28 mark. With less than two minutes left in the match, Bluffton's Wes Corbin (Arlington) put the ball in the back of the net to make the final score 3-2.

Bluffton outshot the Grizzlies 18-13, while Franklin finished with three less fouls, 19-16. The Beavers were led by Ramirez with six shots. Peter Carlson (Toledo/Springfield) added four of his own.

Bluffton returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 24, when the Beavers travel to face rival Defiance College. The final road contest of the season is slated for 3:30 p.m.