For Immediate Release Sept. 9, 2008

Contact: Ryan Maurer E-Mail: rmaurer@wittenberg.edu

Ryan Ruef

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - A late strike lifted the Tiger men to a 2-1 victory over Thomas More College in the 2008 home opener for Wittenberg. Ryan Ruef (Plain City, Ohio/Jonathan Alder) provided the game-winner, finishing a Jimmy Thinnes (Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle) pass in the 85th minute to propel the Tigers to 5-0.

The first half provided a significant level of drama, as the Tigers and Saints battled to a scoreless first 45 minutes. Flurries of substitutions kept the Tiger legs fresh as they began to wear down the Presidents Athletic Conference foe.

In the second session, the Tigers finally broke through, with a strong cross from Justin Jenkins (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) finding the foot of senior Shane Price (Minford, Ohio/Minford) who put it through the keeper's legs to open up the scoring. Twenty minutes later, the Saints drew level on a mistake in the Tiger back third, forcing the late drama.

Ruef's goal, his second of the year, keeps the Tigers perfect start alive, and gives the juggernaut offense their fourth consecutive multi-goal match. This kicks off a five game homestand for the White and Red, with Centre College calling on Saturday, September 13th at 7pm from Edwards-Maurer Field.

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2008 Men's Soccer Schedule/Results