By Joshua Burkholder, sports information assistant

Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/athletics/menssoccer/2013/10-19-ms.htm

The Bluffton University men's soccer team hosted Hanover College on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Senior Day match was scoreless until the 59th minute, when Hanover's Matthew Eldridge found the back of the net to put the Panthers up 1-0. Four minutes later, Jacob Thomsen added another score on a free kick from outside the top of the box to make it 2-0, which would hold up for the rest of the contest. With the win, Hanover improved to 9-5 and stayed atop the conference at 5-0 in the HCAC, while Bluffton fell to 0-12 (0-5 HCAC).

On a very cold, windy day, the first half proved to be a defensive battle, as neither team was able to put in a goal. Bluffton again started strong defensively in the second, until Hanover was able to put in two quick tallies. With the odds against them, the Beavers fought valiantly, but were unable to help out their defense with any goals of their own.

Total shots for the game ended up in Hanover's favor (24-6). Freshman Grant Stutzman (Sugarcreek/Hiland) fired two of those shots to lead the Beaver attack. Three Bluffton shots were on goal, giving Hanover's Trevor Korfhagen three saves. Sophomore Chris Wagler (Leipsic/Pandora-Gilboa) saved two Panther attempts.

The Bluffton men will travel to Manchester University for their next match at 3:30 on Wednesday, Oct 23. The final home contest of the season will be on October 30 when Bluffton welcomes rival Defiance College to the Sears Complex.