LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA – A seven-hour trip through four states and a lackluster warm up didn't stymie the Wilmington College men's soccer team as they defeated host Covenant Friday, 2-1, at the David Taafe Invitational.

"We played really well from start," said Wilmington head coach Bud Lewis. "I thought we rebounded well from the Wittenberg debacle. We moved the ball nicely, combined nicely and had a different mentality."

Wilmington didn't take long to strike as senior Evan Schlagetter (Sidney, OH/Sidney) laid out and headed home a pass from junior Nick Toney (Morrow, OH/Little Miami) in the game's fourth minute.

"It was a huge boost for the team," said Lewis. "It was a big lift and it was a result of good play up to that point."

Senior Daniel Wicks (Reading, OH/Reading) made a couple big stops in the opening half, allowing the Fightin' Quakers to take a 1-0 halftime lead. The Scots, with their superior size, continued to apply pressure. However, a Wicks-led defense continued to turn them away.

But, eventually the home team was able to find the back of the net, tallying the equalizer in the game's 52nd minute.

Wilmington didn't hang its head and quickly retaliated with the game-winning goal 10 minutes later as senior Alex Ruckman scored his first goal of the season. Ruckman chipped a crossing pass from senior Drew Fields (Mariemont, OH/Mariemont) past the goalie.

Lewis also credited the play of senior Taylor Estes (Terrace Park, OH/Mariemont) in the midfield with helping the Fightin' Quaker maintain their defensive shape.

Wilmington (2-1) plays Maryville (TN) 5 p.m. Saturday in the second game of the Invitational.