A first-half goal for sophomore midfielder Mitchell Fein proved to be the difference maker in a physical 1-0 win for the Case Western Reserve University men's soccer team in their home-opening match against Penn State Behrend on Saturday afternoon at DiSanto Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Spartans improved to 3-0-0 in 2025, while the Lions suffered their first loss of the year, dropping to 1-1-1.

First Half

• CWRU outshot Behrend 7-1 during the first 45 minutes of action, including a 4-1 edge in shots on goal.

• Junior midfielder Ohta Kamiya had an early opportunity for the Spartans, hitting the crossbar on a shot in the 26th minute as the game remained scoreless.

• In the 35th minute, sophomore midfielder Ashton McNally launched a pair of shots on goal, but both were turned away by Behrend keeper Anthony Scalise for two of his six saves on Saturday.

• The Spartans broke through behind Fein's goal in the 37th minute of the game. First-year defender Adam Eby launched a long ball into the 18-yard box that was headed away by a Lions defender, but landed right at the feet of Fein. Fein then sent a laser from 15 yards out that sailed over the hands of the keeper and into the back of the net. It was his second goal of the season and what proved to be his second game-winning goal in a 1-0 win in as many contests.

Second Half

• Neither team was able to score in the second half, as CWRU ended the period with a 4-3 edge in total shots and a 3-0 edge in shots on goal.

• Seven of the eight cards issued in the game came during the second half against Behrend, including a pair issued following the match for dissent.

Spartan Notes

• CWRU is off to its first 3-0 start since the 2023 campaign. It marks the first time the team has opened its season with three consecutive shutouts since 2021.

• The Spartans dominated possession on Saturday, holding the ball 67% of the time during the game.

• CWRU improved to 9-4-1 all-time against Penn State Behrend. Saturday's game was the first meeting between the two teams since the 2013 season.

• A total of eight cards were issued in the game (six yellow and two red), all of which were assessed to the Lions. Behrend finished the game with 14 fouls, compared to just 10 for the Spartans.

• CWRU finished with an 11-4 edge in total shots and an 8-1 advantage in shots on goal.

• Senior goalkeeper Bradley Winter played all 90 minutes in goal to record his third shutout in as many games this season. He now has 15 career shutouts, one shy of the program record of 16 set by former Spartan Ben Yabrow (2008-11). He holds a 16-7-10 career record all-time, moving into sole possession of sixth place in career wins in program history.  

Up Next

The Spartans will continue a four-game home stand on Wednesday, September 10, against Oberlin College. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time at DiSanto Field.