September 6, 2006

PAINESVILLE, Ohio - Bouncing back from its 6-0 season-opening loss to Concordia University, the Bluffton University women's soccer team (0-2) put together a dominating performance on the road and edged closer to being fully equipped with personnel. Two more players returned following injuries and the impact was felt immediately. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was still sitting on the opponents' side. The Cardinals pushed one goal into the net to win the defensive struggle, 1-0.

Much of the first half saw Bluffton creating chances but failing to capitalize as the score remained deadlocked at zero going into the second half. Allison White (Lima/Shawnee) had perhaps the best chance with a strong shot from an acute angle that rang the far post before rebounding directly back across the goal mouth past a surprised Lake Erie goalkeeper.

Early in the second half, the defense had a momentary letdown and allowed a dangerous Storm attacker a good look at goal and she fired the lone shot Lake Erie would have for the half.  Regrettably, the Beavers saw much of the same type of misfortune from the first half carry over into the second as chances were frequent but finishes rare. The game ended with the lone goal from Lake Erie despite dominant stats from the Beavers on the offensive side. Not only did Bluffton place eight shots on frame to Lake Erie's two, but the Beavers also earned six corner kicks compared to just one for the home team.

Ashley Bloom (Tiffin/Calvert) had a solid game in the goal making just one save but providing stellar support to a solid performance from the Beaver back line. Meghan Forquer (North Canton/Green) and Elyse Burckhart (Souderton, PA/Souderton) provided much of the creative energy for the game while the team enjoyed added depth with returning players who bolstered the bench. 

Bluffton's women's soccer team now stands at 0-2 heading into the weekend's match at home with Goshen. The Beavers are scheduled to kick-off against the Maple Leafs at 2 p.m.

-BEAVERS-