Sophomore Tim Rieser’s goal in the 70th minute gave the Capital University men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory Saturday at No. 25 Kenyon in the team’s first game of the 2011 season on a hot, humid day in Gambier, Ohio.

“When you look at last year’s team, it was important to get a win against a top 25 team,” Capital coach Josh Racette said. “The heat was tough, but if you look at our subs, it was a total team effort.”

Sophomore Tim McCarthy (Dayton, Ohio) combined with Rieser (Centerville, Ohio), who got behind the defense and finished in the side of the net at the back post.

The Crusaders (1-0) hung on over the final 20 minutes for an important win over one of the country’s elite programs.

“We defended well down the stretch,” Racette said. “Our energy was high, and I think that helped tilt things in our favor.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Bob Weisbgarber (Columbus, Ohio) posted four saves to record the shutout for the Crusaders, who were outshot by the Lords (0-1) 15-9.

“It was ungodly hot, but the defense in front of me played so well together,” Weisgarber said. “We have a very structured defense, and we have great chemistry and communication.”

Capital used a total of 20 players to avenge a 3-0 loss on Sept. 18, 2010, at Kenyon.

It doesn’t get any easier for Capital, which returns to action tomorrow at Denison just over 24 hours after the conclusion of Saturday’s contest. Game time in Granville, Ohio, is slated for 7 p.m.