Sept. 1, 2007

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - The Bluffton University men's soccer team struggled to create consistent pressure throughout the match as Adrian College dropped Bluffton to 0-2 on the season with a 3-1 victory over the Beavers at Manchester on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007.

Bluffton controlled the ball on the offensive end for stretches of the match, but the Beavers were unable to capitalize on their seven corner kicks as the Adrian defense kept Bluffton from finding the back of the net. Some individual efforts were overshadowed by a lack of communication which allowed the Bulldogs to thwart Bluffton's limited scoring opportunities. A solid effort by the defense and goalkeeper kept Bluffton within a goal until Adrian expanded its lead with 13 minutes to play.

Junior midfielder Nate Flath (Wadsworth/Wadsworth) knocked in the Beavers' only score at the 19:21 mark of the first half on an assist from freshman Nolan Phelps (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe). The 1-1 tie following the Flath goal was short lived as Markian Shier connected for Adrian six minutes later.

Flath took three shots for the Beavers while senior Brandon Olterman (Camden/Preble Shawnee) put two shots on goal in the loss.

The Beavers will make their 2007 home debut on Tuesday, Sept. 4, when they welcome Lake Erie College to Bluffton. The match is slated to start at 5 p.m. following the women's season opener.

-BEAVERS-