By: Takayla Gadberry, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team welcomed HCAC foe Defiance College to the Sears Athletic Complex on a beautiful Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Despite a strong offensive presence, the Beavers dropped a 5-4 decision to the Yellow Jackets. Bluffton slipped to 5-7 (0-2 HCAC) on the season while Defiance improved to 7-5-1 (2-0 HCAC).
Defiance took an early 3-0 lead over Bluffton with three goals in the first 14 minutes. Bluffton's Patrick Spillman (Anderson, IN/Frankton) took a nice feed from Jacob Kiger (Groveport/St. Charles Prep) to net the home team's first goal and cut the deficit to 3-1 in minute 29. Consecutive penalty shots from Kiger in a span of less than three minutes tied the game 3-3 before another Defiance goal gave the Yellow Jackets a 4-3 lead at the half.
Freshman Hunter Coffey (Wapakoneta) took a slick feed from Elijah Grieser (Wauseon/Pettisville) and netted the equalizer less than five minutes into the second period. Defiance secured the 5-4 victory with a final goal from Christian Rennie with just over 20 minutes to play.
Both teams took a total of 24 shots, but Defiance put two more on goal (13-11). Bluffton forced three more corner kicks (5-2) while being whistled for just eight fouls, compared to 16 for the Yellow Jackets. Freshman keeper Tanner Newport (Hamilton, Va./Loudoun Valley) pulled down eight saves in the loss.
The men are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 12, when they travel to Franklin College. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. following the women's contest. Go Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
