Titans Kick Off Season With Road Victory

Freshmen Javier Simon, Nick Gonzalez and JT Heidvogel took part in the match-winning goal as UW-Oshkosh opened its 31st men's soccer season with a 1-0 victory over Central College (Iowa) on Friday (Aug. 29) in Pella, Iowa.

The triumph was the 399th (399-113-50 record) in the history of the UW-Oshkosh men's soccer program. The Titans seek victory 400 when they visit Nebraska Wesleyan University on Saturday (Aug. 30) in Lincoln, Neb.

UW-Oshkosh, which entered the contest ranked 20th in the NCAA Division III by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, scored its decisive goal in the 70th minute (69:55) of play. Following a cross from Gonzales, Heidvogel headed the ball from the back post to Simon who scored on a volley from close range.

Following a pass from Heidvogel, Simon rebounded a missed shot from Gonzales and scored off a kick from close range.

UW-Oshkosh totaled 20 shots, including 10 in each half. The Titans had five shots on goal in the first half and two in the second. Elias Efthimiou led UW-Oshkosh with four shots, while Simon, Danny Kobin and Chris Whalen followed with two each.

Central College was held to just five shots, three in the first period and two in the second. The Flying Dutch had one shot saved in each half. Alexander Glavas paced Central College's shot count with two.

UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper Sam Gabrilska saved a pair of shots to notch his seventh career shutout. Austin Little owned all seven goalkeeping saves for Central College.

It was the third meeting between the teams, with UW-Oshkosh now holding a 2-1 advantage in the series.