Takayla Gadberry, sports information alumna
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Bluffton University men's soccer team finished their 2022 season on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a heartbreaking 1-0 OT loss in the opening round of the HCAC tournament. The Beavers finished 7-8-3 while Manchester moved to 6-7-5.
A defensive battle led to a scoreless game at the end of regulation. Just over a minute into overtime, the Spartans connected with the back of the net and despite a courageous battle put up by the Beavers, Manchester would come away with the 1-0 victory. The Bluffton offense was led by Elijah Zimmerman (Archbold) with eight shots, four on goal. Dalton Taynor (Troy/Miami East) was one off his pace, firing seven shots.
Bluffton keeper Angel Velasco-Urbina (Lexington, KY/Henry Clay) tallied five saves in the loss, with Manchester picking up six. The Beavers outshot the Spartans (20-11), but both squads placed six on goal. The home team forced four more corner kicks (8-4) but was whistled for two more fouls (13-11).
Check out the Bluffton website during the upcoming week for the All-Heartland Conference awards announcement. Go Beavers!
-BEAVERS-
