Joe Halula

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg Tigers picked up a must-win as they hit the homestretch of the 2011 season, recovering from an early 1-0 deficit to pick up a 2-1 victory over visiting Oberlin.

The win, which came on the heels of a string of four losses in five games for Wittenberg, evened the Tigers' record at 5-5-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Oberlin dropped to 4-7 overall and 1-1 in the league.

After Oberlin jumped on top with a goal in the ninth minute, the Tigers turned to one of the four freshmen in Head Coach Steve Dawson's starting lineup for a response. Midfielder Joe Halula (Springfield, Ohio/Catholic Central) directed just two balls on the Oberlin goal all night, but he cashed in on both of his opportunities.

His first goal came off a feed from senior Declan McBride (Surrey, England/Tasis) in the 41st minute to send the game into halftime knotted at one. His second goal - and first career game-winner - came at the 57:41 mark as he collected a bouncing ball in the penalty area and squeezed off a shot that beat the Yeomen goalkeeper.

Senior goalkeeper Michael Lambeck (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) and the Tigers defensive unit made the lead stand up. Lambeck was credited with just one save on the night as the Yeomen managed just seven shots in the game, compared to 10 for Wittenberg. Oberlin did enjoy a 6-2 advantage in corner kick opportunities, but the Tigers did well in clearing the defensive zone.