September 20, 2006
BLUFFTON, Ohio - Much optimism would be expected when your team scores the first and last goals of a contest, but not when it allows six to the opponent in between. The Bluffton University men's soccer team endured a 6-2 drubbing from the visiting Yeomen of Oberlin College on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006.
After trading shots on goal for each side and a few narrow misses by Oberlin, the Beavers broke through on a nice feed from Bluffton sophomore DREW HOENING (Beavercreek/Sidney Christian Academy). From 40 yards out, he connected with freshman PATRICK JACKSON(Uniontown/Lake) who calmly collected the ball and penetrated the box before finishing with his left foot to the Oberlin goaltender's right in the 22nd minute. Jackson's first collegiate goal put the Beavers ahead in a contest for the first time this season.
The Yeoman collected themselves quickly and began generating chances immediately and pulled level on a goal in the 31st minute. Still sorting out the confusion of allowing the tying goal, Bluffton played from its heels and surrendered the go-ahead goal just seven minutes later in the 38th minute. The young defense clearly rattled, the Beavers proceeded to allow a series of corner kicks before stopping a ball on the goal line for a Yeomen tap-in in the 40th minute, leading to a two goal deficit at the intermission.
Each team attempted to collect a shot on goal in the second half before the fourth Oberlin goal in the 53rd minute was scored from point blank range. Neither team forced a save from their opponent's goalkeeper until yet another close range shot found the back of the net for Oberlin in the 68th minute. Bluffton forced a save in the following minute but surrendered their final goal in the 79th minute. Just two minutes later, Bluffton University narrowed the gap when senior captain JUSTIN "BOBBY" ROHRER (Millersburg/West Holmes) headed one home from close range. Freshman LOUIE CANCASCI (Twinsburg/Twinsburg) nearly connected for Bluffton's third goal of the afternoon on a missile from inside the penalty box that went just wide left in the 83rd minute. The teams finished the game with the Yeomen having an edge in shots on goal, 13-7, while generating six corner kicks to Bluffton's one. RYAN THOMAS(Jamestown/Greenview) completed a frustrating game in goal, stopping four shots while Oberlin had its way with Bluffton's back line.
The Beavers return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 3:00 p.m. They will attempt to improve on their 0-5 record versus the Pioneers of Marietta College at home.