Zaragoza's Two Goals Takes Tigers Past Bluffton

Springfield, OH- The Wittenberg University men's soccer team breezed past the Beavers of Bluffton University on Friday evening for a 3-2 win. The Tigers battled the Beavers on a rainy Friday night at Edwards-Maurer field, as their out of conference schedule draws to a close. This is their best performance against Bluffton since their last meeting when Wittenberg traveled to Bluffton in 2016 and trampled the Beavers 3-1. 

Game Breakdown

The shots were flying early and often throughout the first half. The Tiger's senior striker Alberto Zaragoza found the goal in the 13^th minute of action finding his way through the Bluffton backline defense. Zaragoza has scored three goals in the last two games and has tallied four total goals this season. Wittenberg would hold the 1-0 lead for a short time, as Bluffton put on the counter-attack and netting their first goal less than a minute later. Zaragoza would put the Tigers back on top with his second goal of the game, finding the back of the Bluffton net in the 23^rd minute. With two minutes left in the first half, Wittenberg middle fielder, Will Stephens would tally a timely goal to put the Tigers up 3-1. 

Both teams maintained physical play throughout the second half. Bluffton scored their second goal after the intermission, as the Tigers managed to take the victory. Freshman keeper Jason Bowen would earn the shutout win on the night, facing six shots on goal and making four saves for the Tigers. 

From The Bench

"Tonight's match was another small step forward in our development. We still need to improve in a lot of areas, but we continue giving a lot of guys playing time particularly freshmen. And that experience will serve us well over the long term. For now, it's back to work," said head coach Dwight Burgess.

Up Next: Wittenberg will return to action on Sunday, September 9 at 1:00 PM when they host they Olivet Comets from Edwards-Maurer Field.