By: Brandy Bidlack, sports information assistant
October 11, 2008

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team was tied with HCAC-leader Rose-Hulman at the break, but the Beavers could not stop RHIT in the second half as the visitors pulled away for the 5-2 victory on Saturday, October 11, 2008. Bluffton fell to 5-6-1 on the season and 1-2 in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference while Rose-Hulman remains perfect in the HCAC at 4-0 and 8-3-1 overall.

The Fighting Engineers struck early when CLINT VATTERRODT scored the first goal in the match at the 15:56 mark. Tying the score just six minutes later, freshman STEVE RUCKI(Killbuck/West Holmes) responded, thanks to an assist from NATE FLATH(Wadsworth/Wadsworth), as the back-and-forth action continued throughout the first half.

Shortly after the break, Rose-Hulman's RHYS EVANS capitalized on a penalty kick to put the Engineers back in the lead. Another goal from Vatterrodt increased the score to 3-1 in Rose-Hulman's favor. Less than a minute later, Rucki retaliated with a header, giving Bluffton momentum.

At the 69:26 mark, BRAD HOLLAND converted to give RHIT a two-goal cushion. Rose-Hulman added another goal from NICK RACE three minutes later to seal the outcome, 5-2, on Saturday, October 11.

Nate Flath paced the Beavers with three shots and one assist, while Steve Rucki scored both goals for Bluffton. DAN SAVILLE (Toledo/Central Catholic) recorded seven saves for the match.

Bluffton generated 10 shots, while Rose-Hulman produced 22 in the winning effort. The Fighting Engineers had three corner kicks compared to two for the Beavers. Rose-Hulman was called for 14 fouls, while Bluffton was whistled for 12 and awarded three yellow cards in the aggressive matchup.

Bluffton returns to action on Tuesday, October 14, when the Beavers travel to Defiance. The contest is slated for 4 p.m.

-BEAVERS-