3 Bluffton 0

Problems with the drainage at Bluffton's field meant that they could not host the game as scheduled. We gladly took the opportunity to play the game at EC.

The match is even early on with BU earning a couple of corners and runs by Jacob Ebbs and Tamru Taye resulting in shots at goal but no pattern emerges. Bluffton sets a high line and compacts midfield well, a tactic that often gives us problems.

In the 14th minute Feli Muyumba plays Tamru in on the keeper but his quick reaction denies Tamru and the game stays scoreless. A ball from Alex Ferreira almost reaches Tamru a few minutes later and after the ensuing collision the Bluffton keeper has to come off. Feli gets a shot off from about 25 yards that's just wide and we begin to have more possession as our fullbacks, Corey Campbell and Zander Ansara begin to have an impact going forward---which would soon bear fruit. A cross from Corey in the 27th minute hits the crossbar and Ibrahim Diarra (on for Feli) comes close to scoring at the far post on Jacob Ebbs' corner.

Just a minute later (30) Jacob gets onto a ball Bluffton play square at the back, plays a one-two with Ibrahim and lobs the advancing keeper for the first goal of the game and his career first. Bluffton recover and hit a shot from distance right at Chris Marshall in the goal but they're under pressure again soon after as Ibra plays Jacob in on the left and just misses the return ball.

In the 43rd minute Zander steps to intercept a Bluffton pass and one-times a ball behind their back line. Ibrahim is already moving and beats the keeper to the ball and finishes in an open goal for 2-0.

Second half begins and we're on top for the most part. In the 50th minute Alex plays a beautiful ball over the defense to Tamru but BU's keeper holds on to Tamru's shot. A few minutes later Tamru dispossesses a Bluffton back and plays to Jacob in front but the shot is high. We've stressed pressure high up the field and it has been bringing us chances. Alex gets the ball after a short goal kick and plays Evan in at the top of the box. Evan is fouled and Mussa Ibrahim hits the free kick just over.

In the 58th minute we win a free kick out at half field and Corey alertly plays the ball across the field to Tamru on the right. Tamru plays Zander on the overlap and Zander's ball finds Jacob Ebbs ahead of his marker close to goal. Jacob buries the header for his second of the day and Zander's second assist. This one was what I call a 'service goal' as Zander put it right on the money.

The game continues with us in control and we see it out for a first conference win and a clean sheet. Solid margins in all the stats and possession.