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Box Score

The Capital University men's soccer team jumped on its opportunities Wednesday on its way to a 5-1 victory over Wabash (Ind.) at Bernlohr Stadium in the team's final non-conference contest of the season.

The Crusaders (5-2-2 overall) now have four wins and two ties in their last six matches heading into their Ohio Athletic Conference opener this Saturday at John Carroll.

"We've been able to push the pace and push the tempo," Capital coach Alan Yost said. "We've put ourselves in a position where we determine the outcome and we're not just sitting back and adjusting to teams. We're forcing teams to adjust to us."

Senior Al Argyris (Centerville, Ohio) tallied two goals to take the team lead with six for the year. Freshman Chris Mir-Salimi (Strongsville, Ohio; at right) assisted on each of the team's first two goals.

Juniors Zach Inman (Groveport, Ohio), Tim McCarthy (Dayton, Ohio) and Tim Rieser (Centerville, Ohio) also found the back of the net for Capital.

The Little Giants (2-8) actually finished with 11 shots, one more than the Crusaders' 10, but Capital held a 9-6 edge on corner kicks and took advantage of more dangerous chances in the offensive third.

"I was a little worried during the pregame as our preparations were a little too light," Yost said. "I reminded the guys that our blue-collar work ethic has gotten us to where we're at, and that we have to outwork teams and be more physical."

After inclement weather delayed the start of the second half for 40 minutes, McCarthy pushed the Crusaders' lead to 3-0 just under two minutes into the start of the second period on a pass from sophomore Bobby Atkin (LaGrange, Ky.). Argyris added his second goal in the 62nd minute off an assist from McCarthy before Rieser closed out Capital scoring in the 70th minute off a cross from junior Danny Parsons (Waynesville, Ohio).

Wabash tallied in the 84th minute to prevent junior goalkeepers Bob Weisgarber (Columbus, Ohio) and Dylan Beck (Wharton, Ohio) from combining for a shutout.

The Crusaders' OAC opener is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in University Heights, Ohio.

"John Carroll will be a good test for how we'll fare in the conference," Yost said. "They're a good team and it's a difficult place to play. I'm hoping we'll go into Saturday healthy and well-rested after we had a number of guys step up and play today."