TIFFIN – The Heidelberg University men's soccer team fell in heart-breaking fashion in their home opener against Bluffton, 4-3. Ahead 3-2 late, the Berg conceded two goals -- ruining a stellar night from freshman Oscar Najera.

Najera had two goals and an assist -- the first Heidelberg player with a pair of goals since Kelly Itito scored twice against Adrian in 2021.  

In the first seven minutes, Heidelberg picked up their second goal of the season thanks to Inigo Focinos. A perfect cross from Oscar Najera allowed Focinos to hammer the ball into the unmanned goal, putting the home team up 1-0. 

An unrelenting team of Beavers battled back for their own goal seven minutes later on a shot from the top of the box. In the 34th minute, the guests managed to get another one past diving goalie, Bradshaw Uhlmann. 

Heidelberg entered the second half with confidence, which paid off quickly. A pass into space by Zane Paul found Najera upfield. Some clean footwork put the shot in between two Beavers and straight past the goalie, knotting the score 2-2. 

Later, a foul in the box gave Najera the chance to regain the lead. He put the penalty in the lower left corner of the goal for the 3-2 advantage. 

In the final two minutes, Bluffton tied it up with another goal of their own. The devastating shot came with only 13 seconds left, when the Beavers scored on a free kick for the 4-3 victory. 

In the box for the Tricolor was Uhlmann, who had three saves compared to the opponent's two. 

Bluffton bested the hosts 17-11 in shots.  

The Heidelberg men's soccer team returns to Hidden Valley on Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff against Transylvania (0-2).