Sept. 27, 2008

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team used a pair of NATE FLATH(Wadsworth/Wadsworth) goals to pick up its second consecutive victory, a 3-2 win at Mt. St. Joseph in the Heartland Conference opener for both teams on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. Bluffton moved past the .500 mark as the Beavers now stand 4-3-1, with a 1-0 mark in the HCAC. MSJ fell to 1-7-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

The Beavers took the early 1-0 lead at the 5:42 mark when senior Nate Flath converted on Bluffton's first penalty kick of the year. MSJ wasted no time formulating an answer as JAMES HALL knotted the contest at one just one minute later.

Flath put the visitors back on top in the 15th minute when he rattled home his second score in the match and fourth of the season. Bluffton maintained its slim margin as it took a 2-1 lead into the break.

Much like the first half, Bluffton ripped the back of the net with a STEVE RUCKI(Killbuck/West Holmes) offering that gave the Beavers a 3-1 lead less than five minutes into the period. The Lions followed the trend when BEN DERNIER cut the deficit to one goal with his shot following an assist from James Hall in minute 59.

The defense took over late in the match with Bluffton holding the Mount off down the stretch for a 3-2 victory in the HCAC opener for the Beavers and Lions.

Flath and freshman JUSTIN RYERSON (Perrysburg/Perrysburg) paced the visitors with four shots each. Steve Rucki and MICHAEL TIMPE (Swanton/Swanton) both chipped in two shots. In a very even match, both teams were whistled for eight fouls and each team forced five corner kicks. Freshman keeper DAN SAVILLE (Toledo/Central Catholic) picked up five saves in his first start as a Beaver.

Bluffton returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 30, when the Beavers welcome Mount Union College for a non-conference tilt. The match is slated to start at 4 p.m.

-BEAVERS-