Three games into their first year, Eastern University Men's Soccer's freshman class is making it's presence felt. Mitch Osterhouse scored a pair of goals and several other first year students were influential in controlling the play as the Eagles (2-1) toppled Wesley 3-0 in the consolation game of Alvernia's Crusader Invitational. Matt Lieg earned a spot on the All-Tournament team with his first shutout of the year.

Osterhous put the Eagles in front in the 32nd minute after fellow first year Deter Lamparter played him into space with a well-weighted through ball between the Wolverine central defenders. Eastern continued to control play and doubled the advantage in the 41st minute on a one-time finish from Braden Gross. Gross's tally came after a strong run and serve on the left side from Dan Shields. 

"The second goal was all about Danny, " Coach Mark Wagner commented, "he tried to make a move and the guy didn't bite, and when the guy finally made a tackle Danny pressed through it and earned the endline before delivering a great serve."

Osterhouse added his second of the day just after the hour mark with a classy chip over to the back post from the corner of the penalty box. After receiving the ball, he looked up and saw the keeper cheating toward the near post and played a straight chip just under the bar.

Wagner cited the play of Alexander Bernhardt after the freshman from Littiz, Pa. stepped into the back line to fill in for Alex Schweitzer after the junior took a blow to the lower leg. "He [Bernhardt] was really big for us." Wagner stated, "He stepped into an unfamiliar role and played it with great confidence."

Through much of the second half, the Eagles played with eight freshmen on the field, and they were able to limit Wesley to just a single shot on goal while continuing to generate scoring chances. Eastern's young squad will be tested again with their home opener against Rowan University this Wednesday.