By: Shannon Ramer, sports information assistant
October 1, 2007

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Bluffton University men's soccer team hosted Heartland Conference rival Hanover College on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Hanover upped its record to 2-7, 1-0 HCAC, after the 3-0 shutout over the Beavers. Bluffton fell to 1-7-1 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

Bluffton University and Hanover College both brought intensity to the contest. Fouls were called early and often as the referees tried to keep the match under control. The officials issued three yellow cards and one red card which sent junior NATE FLATH (Wadsworth/Wadsworth) to the bench with 20 minutes to play in the contest, forcing the Beavers to play shorthanded in what has become a recurrent theme for the men this season. The Panthers were whistled for 23 infractions while the Beavers were only called for 12 fouls.

The Beavers equaled the Panthers with seven shots in the first period; however, two of the shots for Hanover found the back of the net. KYLE LAKER sparked Hanover's scoring streak with his goal from in the box, 27 minutes into the contest. 12 minutes later, ANDREW WESTENDORFscored another goal for the Panthers, making the score 2-0 at halftime.

The Beavers' defense was unable to keep up with Panther's strength and force during the second half. Hanover scored its final goal with less than 12 minutes remaining on the clock. BEN SPAIN'S shot from in the box made the final score 3-0 in favor of the visitors.

Freshman NOLAN PHELPS (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe), freshman NICK EVANS (Elida/Elida), sophomore DANIEL TINCH (Middletown/Madison), and junior Nate Flath all placed one shot on goal, but despite their effort Bluffton was unable to put a goal on the scoreboard. Hanover finished with 10 shots on goal, more than doubling Bluffton's four shots on target. Freshman goalkeeper BRIAN GOOD (Elida/Elida) had seven saves in the loss to the Panthers.

The Beavers return to action on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, when they host Northwest Ohio rival Defiance College in a Heartland Conference showdown. The match is slated to start at 4 p.m.

-BEAVERS-