September 6, 2009

MARIETTA, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team scored a pair of goals in the first half, but they did not stand up as St. Vincent improved to 1-2 with the 4-2 victory over the Beavers. The two teams alternated goals during the first half as St. Vincent took a 3-2 lead at the break, however, the Beavers were held scoreless in period two while St. Vincent added a score with four minutes to play to seal the outcome on Saturday, Sept. 6 in the consolation finals of the Marietta Tournament.

The Beavers found themselves down 1-0 just 12 minutes into the match following a BEN FECIK header from LUIS RODRIGUEZ. Junior NOLAN PHELPS (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe) tied the game at 1-1 when he drilled Bluffton's first penalty kick of the season.

Rodriguez put St. Vincent back on top in minute 32, but the Beavers needed only eight minutes to formulate a response in the form of a MAAX HESSON (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe) header. Phelps picked up the assist when his cross found Hesson in front of the net.

Ben Fecik put St. Vincent up to stay with less than two minutes to play in the half and following 40 scoreless minutes in half two, an ANTHONY BALISTRERI goal sent Bluffton packing on the wrong end of a 4-2 final score.

St. Vincent took 20 shots on the day, compared to 10 for Bluffton. The Beavers were whistled for 13 fewer fouls (22-9), while St. Vincent forced eight corner kicks, three more than Bluffton. Junior BRIAN GOOD (Elida), who was the lone Beaver named to the All-Tournament Team, collected eight saves in the loss.

The Beavers return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 12, when they travel to Huntington. The contest with the Foresters is slated for 12 p.m.

-BEAVERS-