Tigers Suffer First Loss Of 2012 Season At Wilmington

Wilmington, Ohio – Coaches always tell their players to be ready from the very beginning of every game. A letdown a mere 41 seconds into the Wittenberg men's soccer game at Wilmington cost the Tigers dearly in what turned out to be a 1-0 loss to the Quakers in the final game of the Wilmington Kiwanis Classic.

The loss was Wittenberg's first of the 2012 season after a 3-0-1 start, including a 3-0 mark against Ohio Athletic Conference competition. The Tigers have one more OAC foe on the schedule, with nationally ranked Ohio Northern scheduled to pay Edwards-Maurer Field a visit at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11. Wilmington evened its record at 2-2.

The Quakers' goal in the first minute came off a long throw-in. The rest of the game was essentially a stalemate, as the teams split 20 additional shots and 12 corner kick opportunities almost evenly. Eight different Wittenberg players attempted at least one shot in the game, with senior Marshall Rowland (Pewee Valley, Ky./South Oldham) directing both of his attempts on frame.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Mengerink (Delaware, Ohio/Hayes) was solid between the pipes again, recording six saves.

Three Wittenberg players earned spots on the all-tournament team: senior Alejandro Garcia (Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis), freshman Zack Moore (Kettering, Ohio/Alter) and senior Brock Hicks (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany).