By: Ryan Schadewald, sports information assistant
Sept. 2, 2013

The Bluffton Beaver men's soccer team kicked off its season in the back half of a Labor Day doubleheader with the Andrews University Cardinals. In a superb game of soccer, the Cardinals outlasted the Beavers with a goal in the 79th minute from Wesley Oliveira for the 4-3 win on Monday at Bluffton High School's Steinmetz Field.

The visitors began the scoring in the 29th minute with the only goal of the first half which was converted by Ernesto Rodriguez for a 1-0 advantage.

The two teams came out in the second half and began to capitalize on their opportunities as they each found the back of the net three times. The Beavers netted the first two goals of the second period, one from sophomore Michael Ralph (Mansfield/Christian) and the second from sophomore Blake Drewes (Archbold) to give the Beavers a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute. Both goals were set up by sophomore Ben Knotts (Carrollton).

The Cardinals responded with two goals within two minutes of each other. The first was from Jeffrey Oliveira and the other was an own goal which gave Andrews a 3-2 advantage in the 67th minute. The Beavers responded once again to tie the score on a goal by freshman Grant Stutzman (Sugarcreek/Hiland) in the 72nd minute before the Cardinals' Wesley Oliveira knocked in the game-winner.

The shots battle was won by the Beavers, 24-18. Freshman keeper Matt Hardman-ZimmerMAN (Forest City, PA/Home) had a solid outing in his first collegiate start, racking up a total of seven saves despite the loss.

The Beavers will return to action this Thursday, Sept. 5, when they take on the Wabash College Little Giants at 4 p.m at Bluffton High School's Steinmetz Field. Come support your Beavers!

-BEAVERS-