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MINNEAPOLIS -- Benjamin Wexler (SR, Minnetonka, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret HS) scored his first goal in an Augsburg College uniform with 2:23 left in the game, lifting the Auggies to a 1-0 win over Luther College in a nonconference men's soccer game on Wednesday evening at Edor Nelson Field.

Wexler, who transferred to Augsburg after playing his first three seasons at Division I Providence (R.I.), took a feed from Chad Gilmer (SO, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS) and deposited it in the goal for the game-winner in the 88th minute. It was the opening game of the season for both teams.

"It was a tough match, a great first test. To persevere shows the character of this team, and it's only going to get stronger. I was very proud of their work, as I have been all preseason," said Augsburg head coach Greg Holker. "Wexler really came on in the second session and did several things well for us -- he held the ball, was able to go at players out wide, and cut in to snap that quick shot that won the game."

After a close first half, Augsburg held the advantage in momentum through the second half, outshooting the Norse by an 8-4 margin, en route to a 12-7 shots advantage in the contest.

Meanwhile, Augsburg goalkeeper Will Morlock (FY, Grand Haven, Mich.), making his collegiate soccer debut, collected two saves for his first college shutout. He also benefited from a strong defense that forced five of Luther's seven shots wide of the goal.

"Our back four were pretty good," Holker said. "I didn't feel threatened other than the moment of miscommunication in the eighth minute when they headed wide. I thought Joe Keller (SR, Wayzata, Minn.) was fantastic. He just slammed the door closed on his side."

Holker also complemented the play of midfielder Josh Sweeney (SO, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS), who had two shots on goal in 44 minutes off the bench.

"Josh Sweeney made an impact when he entered the game," Holker said. "The culture changed and we became the aggressor. It's too bad his left-footed blast was cleared off the line by their defender because he earned one tonight."

Steve O'Meara (JR, Darien, Ill./Hindsdale HS) had six saves in goal for Luther.

"Luther is going to win a lot of games this year, and I don't see them conceding many goals," Holker said. "O'Meara was strong in goal, but Michael Olson (JR, Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North HS) and Jackson Stalberger (SO, Decorah, Iowa) were tremendous in front of him. That is a hard working, physical team and we are fortunate to have grabbed the late goal."

Augsburg travels to Spokane, Wash., for two games over the Labor Day weekend. The Auggies face Whitworth (Wash.) on Sunday (9/5) at 12 p.m., and Pacific Lutheran (Wash.) on Monday (9/6) at 1 p.m.