BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to Earlham College in the 2016 Heartland Conference opener for both teams on Saturday, Oct. 1. Bluffton fell to 3-7 overall, while Earlham improved to 5-4 on the season.

Earlham jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead just over 15 minutes into the contest before freshman Ezekiel Davis (Columbus/Columbus Downtown) took advantage of the Quaker defense for his first collegiate score in minute 29. The visitors tacked on an important insurance tally at the 36:56 mark for a 3-1 spread at the break.

Less than six minutes into period two, Davis used a slick feed from Blake Drewes (Archbold) in front of the Bluffton bench to make the score 3-2 with his second goal of the game. The final 39 minutes ticked away without another tally as Earlham held on for a victory in the HCAC lidlifter.

The Quakers finished with a 21-5 edge in shots, including 11-4 on frame. Bluffton was called for four more fouls (10-6), while Earlham forced five more corner kicks (8-3). Davis fired all four of his shots on frame, including the two goals. Matt Hardman-Zimmerman (Forest City, Penn.) piled up eight saves for the home team.

Bluffton returns to the pitch on Wednesday, Oct. 5, when the Beavers welcome long-time rival Defiance College. The Heartland Conference contest is slated for 3:30 p.m. at the Sears Complex.

-BEAVERS-