BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to rival Defiance College on a beautiful Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Alumni Field. The Beavers slipped to 7-6-1 overall and 3-3-1 as their hopes of hosting an HCAC Tournament game for the second straight year were dealt a damaging blow. Defiance improved to 5-6-5 and 2-2-3 in the conference.

The visitors had a slim 7-5 advantage in shots through the first stanza, but it wasn't until Griffin Meyer connected with Noah Svanburg in minute 58 that the scoreboard saw any action. Unfortunately for the Beavers, DC was able to make that lone tally hold up as the Jackets skated back to Defiance with a 1-0 victory.

Both teams finished with 15 total shots, but the Yellow Jackets put five more on frame (12-7). Defiance was called for two more fouls (9-7) and it forced one more corner kick (8-7).

Senior Elijah Zimmerman (Archbold) finished with a team-high five shots and Benjamin Davidson (Greenville) chipped in with three attempts. Junior Angel Velasco-Urbina (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay) kept the Beavers in striking distance as he piled up 10 saves against the Yellow Jackets.

Bluffton will wrap up its regular season with trips to Rose-Hulman on Saturday and HCAC-leading Manchester next Wednesday night. The Beavers kick off in Terre Haute, Ind., at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.

-BEAVERS-