September 2, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's soccer team opened the 2006 campaign with a soggy, cold, and lackluster performance against Concordia University of Michigan. Hobbling into the game with nearly 30 percent of the team injured during preseason, the Beavers got down early when they scored an own goal in the 12th minute. Things went downhill when a mix-up in the back led to a clear look at goal for Concordia's target player at the top. She found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead two minutes later. Another defensive miscue allowed the third goal in the 33rd minute and gave the Cardinals a 3-0 lead. Bluffton allowed only four shots on goal in the first half, but three of them crossed the goal line. The Beavers mustered just one chance at goal themselves. 

The second half saw a sharp turnaround for the Beavers with much improved play until the Cardinals struck for their fourth goal at the 73-minute mark. Two more defensive breakdowns led to the final 6-0 score. Despite the score, the shots on goal totals were nearly even with Concordia edging Bluffton, 8-7. The Beavers generated six of their seven shots on goal in the second half and allowed seven corner kicks to their two for the game. Ashley Bloom (Tiffin/Calvert) struggled with the wet conditions as she notched just three saves for the game.

The Beavers travel to Lake Erie to face The Storm on Wednesday, September 6, at 2 p.m.

-BEAVERS-