October 8, 2011
By: Josh Bruner, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team hosted Anderson University for an HCAC matchup on Saturday, Oct. 8. The match started slowly, as neither team could find the back of the net in the first half. The home team finished a nice offensive play, sneaking one past the AU keeper with just 12 minutes left in the game for their first win of the season. The Beavers moved to 1-11 overall and 1-3 in the HCAC, while the Ravens fell to 6-6-1 overall and 3-1 following their first conference setback of the season.

The defenses prevailed early on as both teams were held scoreless in the first 45 minutes. The Beavers made a run at the 78-minute mark and Nate Byrum (London) connected with Andrew Shroll (Van Buren) for a 1-0 lead with less than 12 minutes to play. The Bluffton defense continued to hold its ground in the last minutes as the home team picked up its first W of the season over a talented Anderson squad that already has victories over Earlham, Defiance and Franklin to its credit.

The Ravens outshot the Beavers, taking 21 attempts, seven on goal. Bluffton managed just six shots, but the most important one of the match a score by Shroll at the 78:09 mark. The Beavers proved more aggressive as they were whistled for 10 fouls, compared to the Ravens with eight. Anderson forced all 10 corner kicks in the match. Dan Saville (Toledo/Central Catholic) picked up the win while recording seven saves and keeping the visitors off the scoreboard.

The Beavers return to the field on Wednesday, Oct. 12, when they travel to Grand Rapids, Mich., to face Grace Bible College for a non-conference matchup. The match is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

-BEAVERS-