By: Colton Steiner

ANDERSON, Ind. - The Bluffton Beavers headed west to close out a three-game road trip with a matchup against the Anderson University men's soccer team on Saturday, Oct. 19. It was a defensive battle as both teams were unable to decide a winner with the contest finishing in a 1-1 draw. The tie moved the Beavers to an overall record of 5-5-4 and 2-3-1 in the HCAC while the Ravens sit at 5-6-3 and 2-2-2 in conference play.

After only 5:16 of play, Brycen Boyle (Middletown) took Bluffton's first shot of the game and found the back of the net, putting the Beavers up 1-0. Despite the quick start, the visitors were only able to take two more shots for the rest of the half, but it wasn't without solid defensive play which kept the Ravens off the board in the first half.

While the Beavers were able to score five minutes into the first half, the Ravens found the back of the net four minutes into the second half when Rico Mandolini snuck one past Bluffton goalie Zach Johnson (Middletown) to even up the score, 1-1. Both teams were able to get good looks, but neither team was able to convert in the next forty minutes as the contest would finish in a 1-1 tie.

Anderson outshot the Beavers, 19-9, but only managed a 5-3 edge on frame. With Brycen Boyle scoring the lone goal for Bluffton, Jackson Clark (Mount Blanchard/Riverdale) and JJ Meyer (Cincinnati/Oak Hills) both took shots on goal in the outing. In the box for the Beavers was Zach Johnson who snagged four saves on the afternoon.

Bluffton will return home to challenge Mount St. Joseph on Wednesday, Oct. 23, celebrating senior day for the 10 seniors prior to the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Come out and support your Beavers!

-Beavers-