Weekly Recap 10-04

Beavers pick up first Heartland Conference win since 2002

By: Adam Meekhof Sports Information Intern
October 4, 2004

BLUFFTON, Ohio – This past week the Bluffton University men’s soccer team (2-6, 1-0 HCAC) defeated Hanover College 1-0 for the first time since 1992.  The victory is their first conference win for Bluffton since the 2002 season. The Beavers also lost to Urbana 3-1 last Thursday in non-conference action.

 Head Coach Steve Smucker said after the Urbana game that his team had played the best soccer of the season.  Expectations were high as the team traveled to Hanover on Saturday and they did not let their coach down as they beat Hanover 1-0.  Coach Smucker said, “The team defense was very good and that it was an excellent high pressure game for our team.”

This week saw a lot of improvement for the Beavers as the intensity was picked up on offense and defense.  The hard work paid off for Bluffton as they played Urbana tough for the whole game, but fell short 3-1.  The lone goal for the Beavers was from senior Dan Hershberger (Berlin/Hiland). 

Saturday was all positives for Bluffton as they earned their first conference win since 2002.    Freshman Tyler Chapman (Shreve/Triway) scored the game-winning goal to defeat Hanover. For his efforts, Chapman was named the HCAC player-of-the-week.

The Beavers will be back in action Wednesday at home against Manchester.  Start time is scheduled for 4 p.m.