Box Score Final: Franklin 0 | Bluffton 3
Records: Franklin 1-10 (0-3 HCAC) | Bluffton 1-10 (1-2 HCAC)
Location: Faught Stadium | Franklin, Ind.
FRANKLIN – The Franklin College men's soccer team wrapped up a short two-game homestand on Saturday night against the Bluffton Beavers.
The Grizzlies generated plenty of quality chances on the night, but were unable to find the back of the net on Saturday night, falling to the Beavers, 3-0.
The game's key stretch came early in the first half, when the Beavers struck for a pair of goals 1:37 apart. Christian Zapata opened the scoring in the 14th minute and after a Franklin foul in their own box shortly after, Blake Hershberger made it 2-0 with a perfectly placed penalty kick.
Playing down a man and behind by two goals, the Grizzlies offense generated two quality scoring chances shortly after the second goal. Cody Coppess and Mason May both had looks at the goal, but weren't able to find the net.
May's best chance came early in the second half, but once again he was turned aside by Bluffton goalkeeper Levi Smith. It was the final quality chance of the night for the Grizzlies while Bluffton added the final goal of the night in the final minute of play.
A slick playing surface meant scoring chances were at a premium all night. UIndy held a slim 9-8 advantage in shot attempts. Trevor Byrd made a pair of saves for the Grizzlies while Smith stopped all three shots he faced in the Bluffton net.
The Grizzlies will be in search of their first conference win this coming Wednesday afternoon when they head north for a meeting with the Manchester Spartans. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
