RICHMOND – The Earlham College men's soccer team continued its Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference season with a 2-1 loss to Bluffton University in Matlack-Messer Stadium on Wednesday.

The Quakers fell to 3-8-1 (1-4 HCAC) while the Beavers improved to 5-5-3 (3-2 HCAC).

Both teams recorded 15 shots on the afternoon, while Earlham placed eight on goal compared to five from the visitors. 

The Quakers nearly placed an opening goal in the 36th minute from Quentin Berry. Berry beat the defense on a through ball and took a touch to his right to get space from the goalkeeper. While the shot beat the goalie, a backline defender came flying in to kick the ball away and save the goal. 

Earlham would have to wait until the 69th minute to get onto the scoreboard. Sinclair Simelane recorded the first goal of his Quaker career on a bouncing loose ball in the Beaver penalty area. A cross was sent into the offensive area for the Quakers that was controlled by Orin Gentner who tried to take an attempt on goal. His shot was blocked, and he instead laid off a pass to Simelane who took an open shot from close range. 

Less than a minute later the Beavers earned a penalty kick which was scored to tie the game, beating Tyler Smith on the left side. 

Bluffton scored a go-ahead goal in the 75th minute with a header on a corner kick cross.

Smith collected three saves in goal. 

Andre Moriel was the leading shooter for the Quakers with four total shots, and two on frame. 

The Quakers will continue their season on Saturday in Matlack-Messer Stadium against Franklin College. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 pm amidst Homecoming festivities on campus.