WAVERLY, Mich. - The Bluffton University men's soccer team needed just over 10 minutes to get on the board and the defense did the rest as the Beavers shut down Great Lakes Christian College 1-0 for Coach Kaighin's first victory on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The visitors improved to 1-0-1, while the Crusaders fell to 0-2 on the season.
Senior JJ Meyer (Cincinnati/Oak Hills) delivered in minute 11, scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the match. Bluffton fired away with a 14-5 advantage in shots during the opening stanza, but the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Following a perfect first half from senior Angel Velasco-Urbina (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay), sophomore Zach Johnson (Middletown) took over in the net and the result was the same! They combined for five saves and a shutout of the home Crusaders.
Meyer ripped five shots, four on frame, while Collin Scheid (Lima/Shawnee) and Andrew Ireland (Coshocton/River View) chipped in with three attempts apiece.
Bluffton finished with a 20-9 edge in total shots, including 12-5 on target. Thome team was whistled for four more fouls (6-2).
With his first victory as a Beaver in the bag, Head Coach Sean Kaighin had this to say, "The boys did well in their new system today. Of course, we have some details to sort out, but I am excited about what this team is capable of. We've got a lot of experience and a lot of young talent. The future is bright!"
Bluffton will hit the road again for a weekend at Wabash, starting Saturday, Sept. 7. The Beavers square off with Monmouth on Saturday before a meeting with the host Little Giants on Sunday.
-BEAVERS-