Manchester Men’s Soccer Downs Bluffton In Home Finale
October 31, 2019 at 12:50 a.m.

Manchester Men’s Soccer Downs Bluffton In Home Finale
By Dillon Bender-
The Spartans got on the board early as Nick Surber fired a rocket into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season in the ninth minute. Later in the first period, Shemar Clarke subbed into the match and immediately impacted the game. Clarke beat a pair of Bluffton defenders down the right side and his attempt on goal found the back of the net. Clarke's first career goal in the 35th minute put MU ahead 2-0.
Manchester's defense was strong all afternoon as Bluffton was held to just four shot attempts, only one of which was put on goal. Goalie Justin Winterboer had only one save on Wednesday, but it was an impressive one. Winterboer dove full-extension to his left and made a leaping save on a Bluffton header late in the second half.
The win helped inch the Spartans closer to locking up a third straight berth in next week's HCAC Tournament. Wednesday's victory, coupled with a Defiance loss earlier in the day, has put the Spartans back in the top four of the league standings with a record of 8-9-1, 5-3 HCAC.
Bluffton dropped to 6-12, 1-7 HCAC.
Manchester will travel to Earlham College on Saturday with a spot in the HCAC Tournament on the line. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Lady Spartans Drop Double OT Heartbreaker
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Manchester women's soccer team battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits in the second half, however, host Bluffton netted the golden goal in double overtime to narrowly edge MU 3-2 on Wednesday.
Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Maddie Shepard tallied the equalizing goal off a pass from Katie Green.
Bluffton would go ahead 2-1 just five minutes later in the 66th minute following a goal from Maddie Huffman.
The Spartans quickly responded as Jessica Hudnall tallied her first goal of the season in the 71st minute. Bridget Nash picked up the assist on the Hudnall goal.
With the game tied at end of regulation 2-2, both teams geared up for overtime. Neither team was able to score in the first overtime period, however, Bluffton netted the golden goal in the 101st minute to secure a 3-2 victory.
Manchester will conclude the 2019 season at Earlham College on Saturday. Kickoff in Richmond is set for 1 p.m.
The Spartans got on the board early as Nick Surber fired a rocket into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season in the ninth minute. Later in the first period, Shemar Clarke subbed into the match and immediately impacted the game. Clarke beat a pair of Bluffton defenders down the right side and his attempt on goal found the back of the net. Clarke's first career goal in the 35th minute put MU ahead 2-0.
Manchester's defense was strong all afternoon as Bluffton was held to just four shot attempts, only one of which was put on goal. Goalie Justin Winterboer had only one save on Wednesday, but it was an impressive one. Winterboer dove full-extension to his left and made a leaping save on a Bluffton header late in the second half.
The win helped inch the Spartans closer to locking up a third straight berth in next week's HCAC Tournament. Wednesday's victory, coupled with a Defiance loss earlier in the day, has put the Spartans back in the top four of the league standings with a record of 8-9-1, 5-3 HCAC.
Bluffton dropped to 6-12, 1-7 HCAC.
Manchester will travel to Earlham College on Saturday with a spot in the HCAC Tournament on the line. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Lady Spartans Drop Double OT Heartbreaker
BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Manchester women's soccer team battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits in the second half, however, host Bluffton netted the golden goal in double overtime to narrowly edge MU 3-2 on Wednesday.
Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Maddie Shepard tallied the equalizing goal off a pass from Katie Green.
Bluffton would go ahead 2-1 just five minutes later in the 66th minute following a goal from Maddie Huffman.
The Spartans quickly responded as Jessica Hudnall tallied her first goal of the season in the 71st minute. Bridget Nash picked up the assist on the Hudnall goal.
With the game tied at end of regulation 2-2, both teams geared up for overtime. Neither team was able to score in the first overtime period, however, Bluffton netted the golden goal in the 101st minute to secure a 3-2 victory.
Manchester will conclude the 2019 season at Earlham College on Saturday. Kickoff in Richmond is set for 1 p.m.
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