DEFIANCE, Ohio –  The Capital University men's soccer team traveled to Defiance College for their season-opening match as part of the Purple and Gold Tournament, and walked away 3-1 winners after a dominating performance. Goals came courtesy of sophomore Jack Francisco (2) and freshman Rhyan Caruso. 

In all, Capital (1-0) out-shot the Yellow Jackets by a margin of 24-5, including a 14-4 edge on shots on target. 

After an offensive minded first-half, Capital finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute on Francisco's first of the game and seventh of his collegiate career. Francisco jumped on a loose ball in the penalty area and swiveled a shot to the far post that eluded goalkeeper Orry Killam. 

The 1-0 advantage held through the break for Capital. Just two minutes into the second half, CU gained even a further advantage as Defiance's Chase Stiner was issued a second yellow card and the Yellow Jackets were forced to play down a man for the final 42 minutes and change. 

Capital definitely used the man advantage as they peppered the Defiance goal for the duration of the match. The pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute as Capital netted what would prove to be the game-winner. After a corner kick, the ball worked itself out to Mitch Hughes, who served it into the middle of the box. There, Alex Moore touched the ball down to Caruso, who buried the one-touch shot to the bottom corner to extend the lead to 2-0.

Just three minutes later, the Purple and White got their insurance tally as Francisco found himself 1v1 in the attacking third. A quick move to his right opened up enough space to slam a shot to the far post, all-but sealing the match. 

Defiance (0-1) got a late consolidation tally as Erdwin Quintana slid a shot on goal. The roller of a shot took a home-field hop off the bumpy surface and eluded freshman net-minder Connor Sexton to put the Yellow Jackets on the board. 

Despite the late goal allowed, Sexton had a solid afternoon in his collegiate debut. At the end of the day, he stopped three shots, including a sharp reflex save in the 68th minute to earn his first win.
Killam finished the match with 11 saves for Defiance. 

Capital will return to action tomorrow, again at Defiance, but this time, they will take on the College of Wooster in the second of two games at the Purple and Gold Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.