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COLUMBUS – The Capital University women's soccer advanced to the Ohio Athletic Conference finals after defeating No. 4 seeded Otterbein, 1-0, in an OAC Tournament semifinal match on Thursday afternoon.
This was the second time in five days that Capital and Otterbein matched up against one another, the first coming in another of the Crusaders, 1-0, victory over Otterbein in the regular season finale.
"Playing a tough team like Otterbein two times in five days is really difficult," said head coach Chris Kouns. "Especially considering we won this past Saturday, but did not play great. However, this week in training we really focused on what would make us more successful this time around."
Capital got on the board in the 15th minute of play, as senior Livvy Hein, the reigning OAC Player of the Week, rebounded a loose ball off a Cardinal defender, netting the ball into the left corner of the goal.
Throughout the entire first half, the Crusaders dominated possession of the ball, thanks large in part to stellar defending.
""I am so incredibly proud of the way we responded today in the first half of the game today," Kouns said. "To the girls credit we came out in the first half and were terrific. We created many more opportunities than we did the last game. We scored a solid goal and created another goal which was called back when an off sides player touched it on the way into the net. We also kept the ball more of the first half and that was huge for us."
In total, the Crusaders held a four to one shot advantage over the Cardinals in the opening frame.
As the second half unfolded, Otterbein managed to pick up the pace a bit on the offensive side of the ball, as they unloaded five shots in the second half, none of them coming on goal.
"You have to give credit to Otterbein for coming at us with everything they had in the second half," Kouns said. "They really put us under pressure, but, our back four of Maggie (Donnellan), Corey (McClellan), Lauren (Roy), Mariah (Richards) and Michelle (Geiger) stood up to the onslaught."
Both teams managed to get a decent amount of looks at potential scores, but to no avail, as the Crusaders held on to advance in the OAC Tournament, 1-0.
Leading the way for the Crusaders was Hein, scoring her second goal of the season, giving her two scores over the past three games.
Senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan was once again superb in locking down the net, stopping the Cardinals lone shot on goal, while facing a total of six on the afternoon.
"I was also really pleased with the presence that Ashleigh (Schmittle) brought to the midfield," Kouns said. "When we were in a spiral she came in and challenged for everything giving us a little breathing room."
Kouns also pointed out that the team goals the Crusaders set during preseason are coming to fruition here as they approach the OAC Tournament championship game.
"We are thrilled with the opportunity to host the OAC Tournament championship on Sunday and have the opportunity to work towards an NCAA Tournament berth," Kouns said. "When you look at the goals this team set for the year we've accomplished a number of them to this point in our journey. With another one on the horizon, I am confident everyone who was part of our second round NCAA appearance in 2011 is excited for another opportunity to represent Capital at that level."
With the win, No. 1 seeded Capital (15-4-1) will await to see who they matchup against following the No. 3 Ohio Northern at No. 2 John Carroll matchup on Thursday night.
"No matter which team we play in the OAC Tournament championship," Kouns said. "We know it is going to be a battle and we will look forward to putting our best foot forward and continuing on this journey for just a little longer."
The Crusaders will host the OAC Tournament championship match on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.
