By: Colton Steiner

ANDERSON, Ind. - The Bluffton Beavers hit the road to play under the lights against the Anderson University Ravens in a Wednesday night soccer showcase. The defense was on point for both teams, as neither squad could break the scoring in the first half, but a second half goal from the hosts propelled them to a 1-0 victory over the Beavers. With the loss, Bluffton drops to an overall record of 4-8-1 on the season, with a 2-3 mark in the HCAC, while Anderson improved to 7-4-4 and 2-1-2 in conference play. 

While there would be no scoring in the first first 45 minutes, Anderson put forth an 11-8 advantage in total shots, with a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. Neither team would give way, until minute 76, when Anderson would get a shot past Zach Johnson (Middletown) in the upper left corner from just outside the box in the middle of the field, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Bluffton tried to find the equalizer but they were unable to cash in as Anderson squeaked out with the 1-0 shutout.

With a final shot advantage of 28-13, the Ravens came to play, putting 12 of their shots being on frame, while Bluffton was held to just four total shots on goal in the outing from four different players.

Jacob Hoffmann (Toledo/St. Francis DeSales) and Alex Brown (Delaware/Buckeye Valley) each took two shots, placing one on frame, while Jaden Ngufor (London, Ont. Canada/FC London) recorded a team-high four shots with one on goal. Luke Banschbach (Cincinnati/Oak Hills) put his only shot of the match on target. In the net for the full 90 minutes was Zach Johnson, who snagged 12 saves in the defeat.

The men will keep their eyes forward as they get ready for their next contest which will kick off at the Sears Complex on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3:30 p.m. against Franklin, following the women's game at 1 p.m. It will be Senior Day for both the men and the women.

-BEAVERS-