October 24, 2007

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team continued its late season improvement with a 2-1 Heartland Conference victory over Anderson University on a cold Wednesday, October 24, 2007. The Beavers upped their season record to 4-11-1 with a 2-5 mark in the HCAC. Anderson fell to 3-11-1 on the year with an identical 2-5 conference record.

The Ravens wasted little time taking the early lead as MATT YOUNG netted his fourth goal of the season thanks to superb pass from NATE SALSGIVER who gathered the Anderson throw-in on the left sideline and found Young less than eight minutes into the contest.

MICAH BOEHR (Bluffton/Bluffton) and DERRICK SCOVENNER (Loveland/Cincinnati Hills) both had good looks at the goal during the next eight minutes, forcing a pair of Jordan Hobbs' saves, but Anderson maintained its 1-0 lead until NOLAN MILLER (Hesston), who had entered the field less than a minute earlier, buried his shot from the top of the box at the 34:53 mark of the opening half.

Sophomore ROBERT JOHNSON (Columbus/Marion-Franklin) saw his attempt from in close sail high as time was winding down in the first stanza which ended deadlocked at one score apiece.

An offside call against the Ravens took a goal off the scoreboard midway through the second period, keeping the match knotted at one.

With just over 16 minutes to play in the contest, BRANDON KINDELL (Kenton/Kenton) rifled what turned out to be the game-winner past a stunned Anderson defense from the close left wing.

Matt Young's shot in minute 82 was stopped by BRIAN GOOD (Elida/Elida) and Bluffton kept the Ravens from getting any good looks at the goal late in the contest as the Beavers picked up their second conference victory of the season.

Kindell led the Beavers with three shots in the match, including two on frame. Scovanner and freshman JACOB GRAHAM (Gomer/Elida) chipped in with two shots apiece. 

Bluffton took 14 shots, compared to 12 for the visitors, but the Beavers had a marked 8-4 advantage in shots on target. For the match, Bluffton was whistled for 15 fouls, four more than the Ravens who were offsides six times. Bluffton forced four corner kicks, one more than Anderson.

The Beavers return to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 27, for their final match of the season against HCAC rival Mt. St. Joseph. The match is slated to start at 3 p.m.

-BEAVERS-