Box Score
COLUMBUS – It took a while, but the Capital University women's soccer team remained undefeated in the Ohio Athletic Conference Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over Wilmington at Bernlohr Stadium.
After 65 minutes of scoreless action, the Crusaders (8-5-1 overall, 3-0-1 OAC) tallied twice in a two-minute span in the second half to secure their third straight win and extend their unbeaten streak to four.
"In the second half, I was pleased with our fight," Capital coach Chris Kouns said. "The fight and the effort to win, that is what is expected."
Freshman Allison Mervau (Micanopy, Fla.; at right) recorded one goal and one assist to lead Capital. Classmate Mariah Richards (Canton, Ohio) registered her third goal of the season.
Junior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan (Cincinnati, Ohio) posted three saves for the victory.
Richards put the Crusaders on the board in the 68th minute, volleying a deflected corner kick by Mervau just over the outstretched hand of Quakers keeper Hannah Riffel.
Two minutes later, Mervau doubled the Capital advantage after receiving a pass through several defenders from freshman Maura Fortino (Philadelphia, Pa.). It was Mervau's second goal of the season and proved to be the game-winner.
Kouns pointed out the strong play of a quartet of freshmen, including Mervau, Richards, Rachael Wintering (Lewis Center, Ohio) and Jamie Murray (West Palm Beach, Fla.).
Wilmington (8-5-1, 1-3) appeared to be the aggressor in the first half, but the Crusaders held the Quakers scoreless over that frame.
"We were unprepared and unfocused for this game," Kouns said. "If we want to be champions, we have to bring the same focus we brought a week ago against Ohio Northern every single game.
"Overall, it's not a win we're pleased with, but we're pleased to get the win."
Capital returns to league play this Saturday against Mount Union. Match time is slated for 4 p.m. at Bernlohr Stadium. Prior to the match, seniors Alexa Bosanac (Strongsville, Ohio), Dani Irwin (LaGrange, Ky.), Kate Connell (Drexel Hill, Pa.) and Natalie Fiorelli (Pickerington, Ohio) will be recognized in their last Saturday home regular season contest.
