By: Kyle Stover, sports information assistant
Oct. 26, 2013

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Bluffton University men's soccer team picked up their first win of the season on the road Saturday, Oct. 26, knocking off conference foe Franklin 1-0 in overtime. The defenses were the story of regulation, as they were deadlocked at zero all the way until the Beavers scored in the eighth minute of overtime to earn the victory and in the process snap a 19-match Heartland Conference skid.

Franklin controlled the majority of the first and second periods, outshooting Bluffton 9-4 in the first 45 minutes and 12-4 in the second half. Despite all those opportunities, the Beaver defense did just enough to get the game to overtime.

After a bit of back and forth play in the extra session, Bluffton got the break they were looking for when sophomore T.J. KLINE (Mogadore/Lake Center Christian) found the back of the net to seal the win for the Beavers.

Freshman GRANT STUTZMAN (Sugarcreek/Hiland) registered three shots in the match while Kline and junior PETER CARLSON (Toledo/Springfield) had two apiece.

Sophomore CHRIS WAGLER (Leipsic/Pandora-Gilboa) had a magnificent day in goal, collecting 10 saves while preserving his first shutout victory.

Bluffton improved to 1-13 overall and 1-6 in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference while Franklin fell to 4-9-2 (2-5 HCAC). The Beavers will be back on the pitch again on Wednesday, Oct. 30, when they take on rival Defiance in their final home match of the season. That contest is slated for 4 p.m. at the Sears Complex in Bluffton.

-BEAVERS-