WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team visited the neighbors to the north in the form of the rival Otterbein Cardinals on Saturday night. With an early goal by Avery Hart and a wild series of events in the waning moments of the game – capped off by a last second game-winner from Taylor Marcum – the Comets put together a huge win over their rivals and claimed their first win over Otterbein since the 2019 season as well as taking control of the oar for the first time since the trophy was re-implemented last year. It is also Capital's first away win at Otterbein since 2017, 2-1.

The victory bolsters Capital's record to a 5-2-1 mark as the Comets start off OAC play with a flawless 1-0 record in the conference.

Otterbein falls to 4-4-1, ending their four-game winning streak, and now lie at the bottom of the OAC table with an 0-1 conference record.


HOW IT HAPPENED
Capital came out firing in the first half, keeping the ball well within their attacking zone. CU held the upper hand in terms of attacking with eight total shots in the period, with their defense only allowing Otterbein to get off two. The Comets kept pressure on the Cardinal net for much of the early stages, already having taken six shots a little over a third of the way into the game. That sixth attempt would be the one to break the scoreless tie in the 36th minute and give Cap a one goal lead approaching the halfway point. The goal was scored by Avery Hart, her fifth of the season. The Comets got off another two shots in the remaining nine minutes, but were not able to extend the lead and headed to halftime still leading 1-0. 

Things tightened up a little in the second half as the teams split attacking chances more evenly. Capital continued their pressure early on, but their effort was soon matched by Otterbein on the other end. It soon became a defensive game for the Comets as the Cardinals had a string of scoring chances moving towards the back end of the game. It wasn't until the last two minutes of the game when things started to get crazy. In the 89th minute, Otterbein finally broke through to equalize. At the moment, it seemed like the teams would split the points and draw 1-1. 

However, the Comets were not ready to settle and quickly moved the ball down the field and earned themselves a corner kick. When the ball was played in, it bounced around the box with Capital desperately trying to put it in the net and Otterbein desperately trying to clear. Suddenly, the ball found its way to the foot of freshman Taylor Marcum who fired it into the back of the net and sent the Cap bench into elation. The Purple and White rushed over to the sidelines which had already spilled over onto the field in a barrage of hugs and cheers before refocusing for the final 10 seconds. When the final whistle blew, the bench rushed the field to meet the remaining Comets for a team celebration of their 2-1 win.


THE NUMBERS
Altogether Capital made a total of 15 attempts at goal, 10 of which were on target.

Taylor Marcum's game-winner was her third of the year. She took one other shot in the game.

Avery Hart's goal in the first half was her fifth of the season. She took four shots, with three of them being on target.

Nicole Ogden led the way in attacking chances for the Comets with five total shots, three being on their mark.

Madeline Woodruff and Sophia Leonetti were responsible for the remaining four shots. Woodruff took three with two on target. Leonetti had one shot which ended up on point. 

Senior keeper Lauren White was back in goal for Capital. She spent the entire 90 minutes between the sticks for the Comets, making three saves.


THE OPPONENT
Anjuli Anderson scored the lone goal for the Cardinals.

Ella Schwerfager spent the night in goal for Otterbein. She made eight saves. 


UP NEXT
Capital will return home to Bernlohr Stadium on Wednesday, October 5 for a meeting with Wilmington. The Comets and the Quakers will kick off that contest at 7:00 p.m.