September 15, 2012
By: Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team scored three times in the second half to upend Wittenberg University, 3-2, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. The Beavers (2-3) picked up their second win of the season as Wittenberg slipped to 3-3-1.

The first half remained scoreless until the 35:57 mark when Wittenberg's ALEJANDRO GARCIA found the back of the net. The teams combined for a total of 13 fouls during the first period as Wittenberg took a 1-0 lead to the break.

Wittenberg scored their second and final goal at the 57:57 mark. The Beavers responded five minutes later when PETER CARLSON (Toledo/Springfield) put the ball in the goal. Bluffton tied the match at 2-2 when NATE BYRUM (London) capitalized at the 71:03 mark. 

It was looking like extra time would be needed until freshman TARIQ DEGRAFFINREED(Columbus/St. Francis DeSales) sped past the defense and sent the ball into the back of the net, putting the Beavers up by one with six minutes to play. Bluffton salted it away for their second victory of the season.

Wittenberg finished with a marked 18-8 edge in shots, including 9-5 on frame. Both teams forced four corner kicks, while Bluffton committed two more fouls (18-16).

WES CORBIN (Arlington) fired two shots, while six other Beavers took one shot apiece. Freshman keeper JEFF YODER (Elkhart, Ind./Bethany Christian) sealed his second victory with seven saves in the win.

Bluffton returns to action when the Beavers travel to Goshen College on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The match is slated for 8 p.m. under the lights.

-BEAVERS-