By Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

Stats

The Bluffton University women's soccer team defeated Goshen 4-2 in its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 10. Bluffton improved to 2-1, while the Maple Leafs fell to 2-2 following their loss to the Beavers.

Goshen was first to put the ball in the net with a goal by Sara Watts less than 12 minutes into the game. The Beavers did not wait long to respond and they soon capitalized off a Goshen foul. Sophomore Aimee Whitmer (Grand Rapids/Otsego) drilled the deep free kick into the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1. With three minutes left in the half, the Beavers took the lead when Maddie Moore (Berne, Ind./South Adams) found an opening following a corner kick.

Early in the second half, Goshen gained control of the ball and knotted the match with a score from Marina do Valle. Less than two minutes later, freshman Taylor Fultz (Camden/Preble Shawnee) put the Beavers back in the lead thanks to an assist by Whitmer. With only seven minutes left in the game, Fultz put it out of reach, 4-2, when she capitalized off a corner kick from Megan Moreo (Spencerville/Delphos Jefferson)

Goshen out-shot Bluffton (17-12), including a 10-6 advantage on frame. The Beavers forced four more corner kicks (6-2), while Goshen was whistled for two more infraction (13-11).

Fultz put all three of her shots on target to lead the Bluffton offense. Kourtney Lewis (Arlington/Riverdale) and Moore chipped in with three shots each with one on goal.

The Beavers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 17, when they host Indiana Tech. The contest is slated to start at 10 a.m.