COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 2012-13 Wittenberg athletics calendar got off to a strong start Friday, as men's soccer held onto a 1-0 lead gained in the 13th minute to defeat host Capital University in the opening match of the Fort Rapids Invitational.

Tiger junior forward Brian Boutin (Mount Vernon, Ohio/Mount Vernon) found the net early in the match thanks to a centering pass from senior teammate Marshall Rowland (Pewee Valley, Ky./South Oldham).

The Wittenberg defense took over from there, shutting out the Crusaders on a total of five shots allowed and just one on goal, turned away by sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Mengerink (Delaware, Ohio/Hayes). The defensive effort was highlighted by a first period tackle in front of the Wittenberg goal by sophomore Joe Poff (Vandalia, Ohio/Butler).

In the box score, Boutin and freshman Hobie Hickox (Mansfield, Ohio/Lexington) paced the team with two shots each, all on goal.

Senior Daniel Broidy (Bexley, Ohio/Bexley) was solid up top and was one of three Tigers with one shot, while junior Kevin Bond (Bexley, Ohio/Bexley) and sophomore Reed Glosser (Toledo, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) each performed on the defensive end.

The Tigers resume action in the Fort Rapids Invitational with a match versus another Ohio Athletic Conference opponent, Mount Union, on Sunday at 4 p.m. Follow live stats courtesy Capital Sports Information by following this link.