Goshen, IN — Tuesday night’s strategy was simple for the Goshen College men’s soccer team in facing off against an always physical Manchester College side:

Give the Spartans a taste of their own medicine.

Goshen (5-4, 0-0) used a rough and tumble approach Tuesday night at the Goshen College Soccer Complex, handing Manchester a 2-0 defeat on the verge of Mid-Central Conference play — the Leafs begin league competition Saturday.

“We came out tonight with a higher intensity and were in the attacking mode from the start,” said Goshen head coach Tavi Mounsithiraj. “This was a very good win for us considering our conference season starts Saturday.”

Mounsithiraj’s team looked anything but timid against the Spartans — a factor Mounsithiraj cited early on in the team’s 1-0 loss at rival Eastern Mennonite University on Saturday (click here for article) — equaling the game’s first score at just the nine minute-mark. Sophomore Cody Felton took a lead pass from junior Tony Janzen and outraced everyone to the ball for a 1-0 lead, and then the Leafs’ defense stepped up. Manchester could only register five shots on goal for the contest, thanks in large part to Goshen’s defensive unit.

“I was really pleased with the play of (seniors) Joel Miller, Jared Price, Adam Yoder and (sophomore) Rusty Emery,” Mounsithiraj said. “As a group, they were outstanding.”

Mounsithiraj also gave credit to senior goalkeeper Craig Welscott, who picked up his 23rd career shut-out in the win, tying the all-time best mark in the Goshen record books (1988 graduate Darin Derstine finished with 23 career shut outs as well).

“Craig has had a great career, and his third shut out of the season was important,” Mounsithiraj said. “I feel very good if we can take as small as a 1-0 lead against anyone.”

Goshen continued its defensive starch throughout the second period, eventually using Manchester’s efforts for a game-tying goal to its advantage. Just five minutes into the second period, Janzen was able to outrace everyone downfield while looking for a one-on-one opportunity with the Spartans’ keeper. A fine mist that had begun to fall caused Janzen to misplay the ball, however, leaving it out too far in front for Janzen to put much of a shot on the goal.

It didn’t matter, however, as Manchester’s keeper elected to attempt a one-touch blast to clear the ball only to miss completely on the wet grass. The ball barely crossed the end line for Goshen’s second score of the night, touched last by Janzen but scored as a Manchester own goal officially.

Janzen earned praise from Mounsithiraj following the game, as again the tireless worker up front created many chances for the Leafs. Goshen attempted a total eight corner kicks on the evening compared to just three for Manchester.

“Tony continued to work hard up front and was able to draw several defenders along the way,” Mounsithiraj said. “When that happens, everyone seems to get more chances.”

Mounsithiraj will hope to continue that style of play Saturday — and his recent success — against MCC foe University of St. Francis. Goshen has taken the last four matches with the Cougars, including a win last year that clinched a share of the 2005 MCC Championship for the team (click here for article). Saturday’s match is slated for a 7 p.m. start time at the Goshen College Soccer Complex.