For the past several years, the goalkeeping position has been a model of stability as just two athletes have tended goal in the past four years. This week, the Wilmington men's soccer team lost two keepers and had to turn to a starting midfielder to go between the pipes in the season opener Saturday.

The Fightin' Quakers didn't miss a beat as Daniel Wicks (Reading, OH/Reading), in his first collegiate start at goalkeeper, made five saves as Wilmington opened the 2014 season with a resounding 4-0 victory over Franklin at Williams Stadium.

Wicks learned of decision to move him to goal just two days before the lid-lifter and looked like he has been there his entire career.

"There was no question that he was going to do it for the team," said Wilmington head coach Bud Lewis. "He has some high school experience (in goal), and he demonstrated awareness, mobility and ability with his feet that most goalkeepers don't have."

Wilmington put pressure on the Grizzlies for the outset of the match, but unfortunately, the early attacking didn't lead to a goal.

While not credited with a goal or an assist, junior Jesse Buhrman (Westlake, OH/Westlake) caused the scoring attempt as he was taken down in the box in the 39th minute. Senior Martin Holmquist (Karlstad, Sweden/Alvkulle) had his blocked penalty kick rebound right back to him, and he deposited the carom into the back of the net.

"We created some very good chances in the first 20 minutes, and we were in position to score on several times," said Lewis. "They gave us some very good opportunities, and we just couldn't capitalize."

Three goals in the span of less than four minutes enabled Wilmington to put the game away. Senior Taylor Estes (Reading, OH/Reading) started the onslaught with a nice pass that freshman Joel Yosef (Alingas, Sweden/Alstrommergymnasiet) deflected past the FC keeper in the 53rd minute.

Junior Nick Toney (Morrow, OH/Little Miami) has his foot in on the last two tallies. He assisted the games third goal, which was scored by senior Alex Ruckman (Monroe, OH/Monroe), and then scored an unassisted goal to cap the scoring.

Wilmington (1-0) returns to the pitch 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in a non-conference game against Wittenberg.