Box Score

COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer team put together a strong charge in the second half Sunday, but was unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 setback against Adrian (Mich.) in the finale of the Fort Rapids Invitational at Bernlohr Stadium.

The Crusaders (2-3 overall) kept the ball on the Bulldogs' half of the pitch for a majority of the second half, but were held scoreless by their non-conference opponent.

Capital finished with an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks, taking four in the last six minutes of the contest alone.

"Today we wanted to play up to our potential by playing feet, possessing and creating opportunities, and we absolutely did that," Capital coach Chris Kouns said. "We had lots of run of play, lots of corners and more shots than they did, but unfortunately, we just aren't putting those balls away."

Adrian (3-0), the defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) champion, scored in the 30th minute on a ball played through the left side that scattered through the box and was punched in past junior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan.

Freshmen Maura Fortino (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Allison Mervau (Micanopy, Fla.; above right) each posted two shots for Capital, which outshot the Bulldogs 8-7 and held a similar margin (6-5) in shots on goal.

Donnellan (Cincinnati, Ohio) totaled four saves.

All three of the Crusaders' losses have been to opponents who won either their conference regular season or tournament championship a year ago.

"In each of those games, the difference was finishing," Kouns said. "We're still trying to find that identity of finding the back of the net.

"On the opposite side of that, I couldn't be more proud or pleased. We played what we wanted to play and we brought the intensity. It's just that one missing piece that hopefully we'll fix when it's time to start the conference schedule."

In the first game of the day, Johnson & Wales (R.I.) knocked off Salem (N.C.) 1-0 in overtime.

The Crusaders return to action this Wednesday against Penn State-Altoona. Match time at Bernlohr Stadium is slated for 4 p.m.