By: Brandy Bidlack, sports information assistant
October 25, 2008

HANOVER, Ind. - The Bluffton University men's soccer team left everything on the field but came up just short at Hanover College on Saturday, October 25, 2008, as the Beavers suffered their second consecutive conference loss by a single score. Bluffton fell to 7-8-1 on the season and 3-4 in the Heartland Conference. Hanover improved to 5-10-1 on the season, with a 4-2 mark in the HCAC.

The Panthers' offense struck first when ANDREW ILLNICK found the back of the net at the 22:32 mark, thanks to an assist from KYLE LAKER. Early in the second stanza, senior NATE FLATH (Wadsworth) scorched the back of the net off a direct kick, tying the score at one apiece.

Bluffton held off Hanover until the 84th minute when Laker was on the receiving end from teammate SHANE HENSHAW, giving Laker a one-on-one with Bluffton keeper BRIAN GOOD (Elida) which resulted in the game-winning goal as the Panthers knocked off the Beavers, 2-1.

Nate Flath paced the Beavers with four shots and he netted the lone Bluffton goal, his team-high 12th of the season. LOUIE CANCASCI (Twinsburg) generated three shots and SETH HERTENSTEIN (St. Mary's) had one shot in the contest. Brian Good picked up five saves in the heartbreaking loss.

Bluffton produced eight shots while Hanover created 17 in the contest. The Panthers forced 13 corner kicks and limited the Beavers to just three. Both teams were whistled for 15 infractions and each squad received two yellow cards.

The Bluffton men will return to the pitch for their last match of the 2008 regular season on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, when the Beavers host HCAC heavyweight Transylvania. The contest is slated to start at 2 p.m. following the women's match.

-BEAVERS-