CLEVELAND, Ohio – A pair of early goals and a stingy defensive effort were the key as the defending University Athletic Association Champion Case Western Reserve University men's soccer team opened the 2012 season with a 3-0 shutout of Washington & Jefferson College (Pa.) on Friday night at Case Field.

The Spartans (1-0) now open a three-match road trip at local-rival John Carroll University this Sunday, September 2 at 2:00 p.m. in University Heights.

Case wasted little time in lighting up the scoreboard as freshman midfielder Chris Cvecko (Erie, Pa./McDowell) took a through ball from senior back Kostis Theoharides (Brookline, Mass./Brookline) and fired a shot past the W&J goalkeeper for his first collegiate score at 6:48.

Just minutes later at 18:13, sophomore forward Patrick O'Day (Plano, Texas/Plano Senior) tapped a shot in the net from six yards out via an assist from senior midfielder Eric Erb (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington).

After playing scoreless for most of the second half, the Spartans broke through again when Theoharides knocked in a header following a free kick by senior back Sam Kuehnle (Toledo, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) at 63:34.

In goal, senior Ryan Koepka (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) made his first career start and posted three saves to record his first career shutout and second career victory. In the 12th minute, Koepka thwarted a W&J penalty kick with a fine diving save.

Overall, the Spartans outshot W&J, 16-6, and held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Following Sunday's match at JCU, the Spartans continue their road trip at Muskingum University on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in New Concord.