Bluffton, Ohio – September 29, 2010 – The Heidelberg University men’s soccer team could not ask for a better performance before it starts it's Ohio Athletic Conference slate, as it blanked Bluffton University 6-0. It was the largest margin of victory for the Berg since it shutout Siena Heights University 6-0 on Sept. 18, 2007.
The Berg improves to 6-3, while the Beavers drop to 2-6 on the year.
“It took us a while to get going,” said head coach Brian Haley. “But once we got going, it went well for us.”
Sophomore Cole Tonti (Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis de Sales) got the Berg on the board first in the 34th minute, when senior Gavin McCarthy (Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Darby) set up the score. It marked Tonti's first collegiate goal.
Less the two minutes later, McCarthy would pick up his second assist of the game as he found senior Cory Buhrman (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick) for the score. Freshman Erik Furst (Columbus, Ohio / Upper Arlington) was also in on the assist. The goal marked Buhrman’s third of the season.
In the second half, Heidelberg offense wouldn’t miss a beat. Sophomore Grant Beck (Roanoke, Texas / Keller) started the rhythm with back to back scores in the 51st and 52nd minute. Junior Mike Harling (Manchester, New England / Holy Cross) earned the assist on Beck’s second goal. Beck now has earned three goals on the year.
Junior Matt Condon (Powell, Ohio/ Bishop Watterson) and senior Killian Riley (Zanesville, Ohio / Zanesville) earned their first collegiate goal in the 65th and 80th minute, respectively. Senior Andrew Crowl (South Euclid, Ohio / Brush) recorded an assist with Riley’s goal.
For the game, Heidelberg outshot Bluffton 27-10. The 27 shots are the most registered since Heidelberg earned 27 against Siena in 2007.
Also contributing was junior Jeff Gordon (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Northview) and freshman Matt Paquette (Houston Texas / Katy) who each had two shots on goal.
Juniors Jake Reinbolt (Whitehouse, Ohio /Anthony Wayne) and Cory D’loughy (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick) earned a shot on goal apiece.
Next up for the Berg is the defending OAC champions Capital University this Saturday, October 2. The game will be played on Mayer Field at 3:00 p.m.
“This year’s squad, we feel we have good depth,” Haley said. “In the OAC, you have to play every minute of every game to get the result you want. What a better way to start off the OAC slate then to host the defending champs. I’m looking forward to it.”