WASHINGTON, D.C. - The 2012 men's soccer season got off to solid start for the Tigers, as Towson defeated American University 1-0 in a road scrimmage.

Phil Martinelli scored the only goal of the game to give the Tigers the edge.

The Tigers then held a Wednesday morning practice, where head coach Frank Olszewski was able to assess his team's progress.

"It's a step in the right direction," he said. "Defensively, we set some goals and objectives. Some we met, while others we must still work on."

Tuesday's scrimmage marked the first time the Tiger coaching staff was able to see how their 10 newcomers would react to game situations and pressures. However, Olszewski said the team is in a phase of learning something new each day.

"Our newcomers are a good, solid group," Olszewski said. "Their eyes are open, their ears are open and they are willing to work to improve."

The Tigers will host Temple University for a scrimmage Saturday before opening the season at home against Monmouth August 24.