September 23, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Despite playing a very competitive first half and trading good chances with a team that one year ago dismantled the Beavers, 5-1, the hosts entered the second half and allowed elements beyond their control to dictate the outcome. After outshooting the Pioneers of Marietta College 6-4 in the first half, Bluffton crawled into a shell in the second period and managed just two shots of its own. 

Early in period two, freshman DERRICK SCOVANNER (Loveland/Cin. Hills Christian Academy) floated a perfect shot to the upper right corner only to be denied on a spectacular save by Marietta's goalkeeper. The visitors responded a few minutes later on a heavily disputed goal in the 63rd minute with a well placed upper ninety header to Bluffton goalkeeper's right. Adding to worsening field conditions was the home team's demeanor as cohesiveness and unity were discarded in favor of urgency and desperation. In what should have been a relatively even match, the Beavers showed their lack of experience and age and allowed the final dagger with a lobbed counter attack goal in the 84th minute from nearly 40 yards out. While pressing forward for the tying goal, the defense allowed a lone attacker to slip in behind them for a clear run at retreating senior goalkeeper RYAN THOMAS (Jamestown/Greenview). 

The men travel to Muskingum to face a powerful squad on Wednesday, September 27, at 4:00 p.m., attempting to earn their first win on the road.