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Box Score

COLUMBUS – The Capital University men's soccer team posted its first Ohio Athletic Conference victory of the season Saturday, defeating Mount Union 2-1 at Bernlohr Stadium.

The Crusaders (6-5-3 overall, 1-3-1 OAC) recovered from an early 1-0 deficit to even the match before half and take the lead with less than 20 minutes to play. With four matches to play in the season, the victory was crucial to the team's fight for one of six coveted spots in the OAC Tournament.

"It was a good win," Capital coach Alan Yost said. "Our guys stepped up in a must-win situation … our backs are against the wall. Our result today will help us with our confidence moving forward towards our goal of reaching the conference tournament."

Senior Casey Blankenship (Galloway, Ohio) put the Crusaders on the board in the 37th minute, tying the contest at 1-1 after beating the Purple Raider defense on a pass from the right side of the box by junior Nick Eley (Pickerington, Ohio).

Freshman Josh Spaw (Cincinnati, Ohio; at right) made his first career goal a game-winner, tallying in the 72nd minute off a corner kick by senior Al Argyris (Centerville, Ohio). Spaw went up in traffic and headed the ball into the back of the net to give Capital a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

Mount Union (3-8-1, 1-4) rallied in the waning minutes and nearly tied the match on a shot in the 86th minute, but the Crusader defense held strong, led by junior goalkeeper Bob Weisgarber's four saves.

"I think we can still do better in front of the net, but our guys did exactly what was asked of them, especially off the bench," Yost said.

The Purple Raiders, who tallied in the 20th minute, outshot Capital 12-9. The Crusaders had a commanding 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Capital resumes action Tuesday at Marietta. Match time is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Marietta, Ohio.