By: Shannon Ramer, sports information assistant
October 17, 2007

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team hosted Franciscan University (2-11) from Steubenville, Ohio, on October 17, 2007. The Barons applied pressure from the start and attacked the Bluffton midfield and defense repeatedly, taking advantage of the Beavers' inability to maintain possession of the ball. Franciscan misfired from point blank range throughout the match, but Bluffton made the most of its opportunities as the Beavers picked up their second win in four contests to improve to 3-10-1 with a 2-1 victory.

The Beavers took 11 shots throughout this contest while their opponent more than doubled that effort with 23 shots, including a dozen on target. Freshman goalkeeper BRIAN GOOD(Elida/Elida) had his hands full all night as he stopped 11 shots in the contest. Franciscan goalkeeper WILLIAM HERRMAN was able to stop three of Bluffton's shots on goal.

Sophomore DANIEL TINCH (Middletown/Madison) stole the ball in front of the Franciscan bench with just over 10 minutes to play in the opening half and made the Barons pay with his fast footwork as his shot found the upper right corner of the net. His goal from the far right wing gave the Beavers a one-goal advantage which they maintained at the break.

Franciscan finally got on the scoreboard when CHRISTIAN BOBEK knotted the contest at one in minute 64 to give the visitors renewed life. Eight minutes after the Barons' goal, Bluffton defender DERRICK SCOVANNER (Loveland/Cincinnati Hills) rifled a shot from just past midfield for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

Bluffton pulled out its third win of the year despite playing without three injured starters and having a host of other Beavers removed from the contest due to injuries sustained against the Barons. For the match, Bluffton was whistled for 17 fouls, 10 more than the visitors. The Beavers forced five corner kicks, compared to three for Franciscan.

Bluffton returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 20, when it travels to Rose-Hulman for a Heartland Conference battle. The match is slated to start at 3 p.m.

-BEAVERS-