Box Score
Springfield, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team keeps its unbeaten streak alive with a 1-0 victory over Wittenberg on the road Wednesday evening.
Coming into the match, the Crusaders, who are currently ranked No. 22 in the latest NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III National Poll, had not suffered defeat in over two weeks and were not planning on changing that course anytime soon.
"What is great about this team and this little run that we are on is that great teams find a way to win," said head coach Chris Kouns.
That they did once again coming up big in the clutch as senior Hilary Ells netted the lone goal of the game in the 85th minute, as the Crusaders edged the Tigers, 1-0.
Sophomore Maura Fortino, who logged just twelve minutes in the game due to injury, recorded the assist on a corner kick for the game-winner.
Both halves served to be a challenge for the Crusaders, as they struggled to slip through the defensive front of their opposition.
In total, Capital was outshot by Wittenberg 24-18, while also surrendering a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks to its opposition.
However, Capital's entire backfield and midfield was able to muster together a stellar performance in support of senior goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan.
"We had a sort of makeshift midfield today because of injuries," Kouns said. "But we were excited that our backs held up very well against a lot of long balls."
Leading the way for the Crusaders was Ells, who netted her fifth goal of the season, giving Fortino her second assist on the year.
Donnellan also played a key role, saving all ten shots on goal that she faced, while freshman Jamie Murray pressured the Tigers defense, recording three of her six shots on goal.
"Wittenberg's style of play was very direct," Kouns said. "They made it extremely difficult and challenging for us, but I told the girls the win was not pretty, but we were certainly able to find a way to win."
With the win, No. 22 Capital (5-1-1) returns home on Sept. 21 for a matchup against Hanover College (Ind.). First kick for that match is slated for 5 p.m.
