Will Yakubik

Max Hill

The College of Wooster men's soccer team defeated Bluffton University 4-1 as the Fighting Scots concluded their non-conference slate at the Sears Complex on Wednesday afternoon in Bluffton, Ohio.

Wooster (6-4, 1-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) sophomores Ben Freiji and Will Yakubik each tallied a first-half goal. Both goals marked collegiate firsts for the underclassmen midfielders.

Freiji opened the scoring in the 28th minute from the top of the 18-yard-box off the feed from first-year Charlie Krus, who subbed in moments earlier. The assist marked Krus' second of the season.

Junior Austin Russell put a shot on goal nearly three minutes later before Krus and junior Andrew Klein attempted respective shots from inside the box. Krus' was blocked by a defender while Klein's drifted wide left.

Wooster doubled down in the 41st minute as Yakubik converted from the top of the box just four minutes after subbing in for Freiji. The first-year-to-sophomore connection resonated yet again with BJ Tally providing the helper, also marking his second assist on the year.

Wooster outshot Bluffton (0-8) 14-2 in the first half and 24-5 by game's end.

In the second half, first-year Max Hill scored his first collegiate goal on an unassisted strike in the 61st minute before junior Andrew Klein netted his third of the season nearly 14 minutes later with Yakubik delivering the assist.

Two minutes after Klein's goal, Bluffton's Michael Whelpley converted on a penalty kick proceeding a Wooster foul in the box.

Senior Scot Stacho earned his second win of the season between the pipes for Wooster, tallying one save on the day.

With the victory, Wooster reached six wins for the first time since 2011 with eight regular-season games remaining. Versatility has aided Wooster thus far, as eight different Scots have scored this season, including a trio with three goals each.

Up next, Wooster takes on Ohio Wesleyan University (5-3, 1-0 NCAC) on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Delaware, Ohio. The Battling Bishops defeated Wooster 2-1 last year at Carl Dale Memorial Field.