September 20, 2011

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team battled from start to finish but it was the Cincinnati Christian Eagles who flew away with their first victory of the season. The 3-0 shutout dropped Bluffton to 0-8 overall, while CCU moved to 1-5 following the victory.

Cincinnati Christian jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when NICK SMITH found DUSTIN HINKEN in front of the net less than six minutes after the opening whistle. The Beavers put up eight shots in the first stanza, but CCU took its slim lead into the break.

Hinken found the back of the net two more times in the final 30 minutes to give the Eagles a 3-0 win over the home team. CCU finished with a 21-13 edge in total shots, including a decided 12-5 advantage in period two. The visitors committed seven more fouls (12-5) and they forced two more corner kicks (7-5).

Senior keeper DAN SAVILLE (Toledo/Central Catholic) did all he could to keep Bluffton in the match with his seven stops. Freshman NATE BYRUM (London) paced the Beavers with three shots, while senior KELLY BARNES (Toledo/Christian) and NEIL LINDSEY (New Carlisle/Tecumseh) chipped in with two attempts each.

The Beavers welcome Mount St. Joseph to Bluffton on Saturday, Sept. 24, for their first HCAC matchup of the season. The contest is slated to start at 2 p.m. following the women's match with MSJ.

-BEAVERS-