MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Indiana Tech men's soccer team opened the 2016 season on a high note as they gutted out a 3-2 overtime victory over in-state rival Bethel College on Saturday afternoon at Morey Field.
 
"We had to be creative and weather a lot of pressure to get the result," head coach David Bokhart said. "We had some good contributions from the bench and we were able to overcome our lack of match fitness at this part of the year."
 
Ruben Leonardo was the hero in the season opener as he scored the game-winning goal in the 93^rd minute off the pass from Andrew Higgins to push the Orange and Black past the pilots.
 
Roman Schindler had a spectacular debut for Tech as he scored two goals, both to give the visitors the lead. His first came in the 16^th minute with the assist being credited to Higgins while his second came just four minutes later to give the Warriors the lead back after the Pilots tied it up at one in the 17^th minute.
 
Adam Viviano finished the game with two saves to earn his first win of the season while Tech also had three team saves. Mitch Smith, Leonardo and Schindler each had two shots on goal.
 
"Roman really stepped up with two massive goals and Andy showed his quality with two brilliant services," Bokhart said. "We need to patch ourselves up and get ready to follow up this win with a good home opener next weekend!"
 
Tech (1-0-0) opens their home slate next Saturday when they welcome in Huntington to Warrior Athletic Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and links to live video and stats will be available at IndianaTechWarriors.com.