Men's Soccer: Swann, Lohr Score as River Bluff Tops West Florence 2–0

River Bluff hit the road for the first time this season Thursday night, traveling to Florence for a matchup with the West Florence Knights. The trip carried a special meaning for junior center back Mason Kleine, who returned to play at his former school. During the starting lineups, the Knights’ PA announcer acknowledged the moment, introducing him as “No. 6 Mason Kleine — welcome home, Mason.”

Once the game started, the Gators wasted little time generating chances. Early pressure led to the opening goal in the 13th minute after junior forward Mason Swann split two defenders and fired a shot that was deflected out for a corner.

On the ensuing set piece, Kleine delivered a corner kick snapping it into the near-side of the box. Sophomore Henry Kuhn managed to flick the ball up and over toward the far post. The attempt struck the frame and rebounded back into play, where Swann reacted first. The junior chipped the ball back across goal with his left foot and into the net to give River Bluff a 1–0 advantage.

The Gators doubled their lead seven minutes later as sophomore midfielder Charlie Lohr hammered a shot into the goal, extending the lead to 2–0 midway through the first half.

For both Swann and Lohr, the goals were their first of the season.

The second half turned into a defensive battle, with both teams holding firm and limiting quality scoring opportunities. River Bluff’s back line and goalkeeping by senior Zach Stiles preserved the clean sheet as the Gators closed out the 2–0 victory.

With the win, River Bluff improves to 4–1 on the season in Coach Thad Miller’s second year leading the program.

The Gators return to action Monday when they host Bluffton. JV kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with varsity to follow at 7:00 p.m.