Andrew Klein

Manny Burton

WOOSTER – A first-half penalty kick conversion from sophomore Manny Burton and two late tallies from first-year Wilson Freije and junior Andrew Klein sealed the first victory of the season for The College of Wooster men's soccer program, as they took down Washington & Jefferson College 3-0 on a soggy Saturday afternoon at Carl Dale Memorial Field.

In tune with their preseason attitude, Wooster (1-1-0) brought the pressure early, highlighted by two shots in the opening nine minutes, including one off the crossbar from Burton, who nearly put in the tight-angled shot from outside the 18-yard box.

Junior Austin Russell nearly converted on a close-range opportunity 10 minutes later after receiving a through ball in the box from sophomore Max Rochester, but a number of bodies muffled Russell's power as he put a low roller on frame.

In the 33rd minute, Burton came through with a penalty conversion after an infraction in the box. The sophomore forward calmly placed it down the middle for the game-winning tally.

Down 1-0 late in the second half, W&J (0-1-0) looked to press, leaving Wooster's attacking trio alone the Presidents' back four. In the 80th minute, the Scots took advantage as Burton delivered a ball from the right flank to Freije, who settled and showed good patience to turn on the ball in traffic and finish at the back post.

Just under five minutes later, first-year Charlie Krus delivered a corner to Paulo Nunes, who flicked it back post to Klein as the junior finished across the 'keeper for the game's third and final tally.

Of note, each goal marked a collegiate first for the three Scots.

In goal, sophomore Will Collis totaled four saves as Wooster outshot W&J 15-9, including 7-3 in the second half.

Up next, the Scots host the University of Mount Union on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. at Carl Dale Memorial Field.