By: Ryan Ebbeskotte, sports information assistant

Stats

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team welcomed Cincinnati Christian University for their 2014 home opener on Friday, Sept. 5. The Beavers took a 1-1 tie into the half but the visitors scored twice in the final 45 minutes for a 3-2 victory at the Sears Complex. The Beavers fell to 0-4, while Cincinnati Christian starts the season 1-0.

Cincinnati Christian took an early lead, scoring less than six minutes into the contest. Bluffton answered 20 minutes later as senior TJ Kline (Mogadore/Lake Center Christian) took advantage of a rebound when he found the back of the net in minute 27.

The Beavers started the second half off in a flourish with a goal just over four minutes in by Blake Drewes (Archbold) thanks to an assist coming from Ben Knotts (Carrollton). CCU answered at the 55-minute mark with a goal following a Bluffton foul. They added the game winner at the 72-minute mark when Joey Haselmeyer found Tyler Moen in front of the net for the 3-2 victory.

It was an evenly-matched contest as Bluffton finished with 14 shots to Cincinnati's 13 and each team was whistled for 20 fouls. Grant Stutzman (Sugarcreek/Hiland) finished with a team-high four shots for the Beavers 

Bluffton hosts Marietta on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2:30 PM, following the women's matchup with the Pioneers.

-BEAVERS-