COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University men's soccer team hit the field at Bernlohr Stadium once again on Wednesday, taking part in their senior day game against Muskingum. In a game that was in question if it would even play on or not due to weather, the Comets offense was certainly not shy. The Purple and White fired off a total of 45 shots en route to a 2-0 win, their first in conference play.

The win breaks Capital's winless streak and improves the record to 2-7-2 with a 1-2-1 mark within the OAC.

Muskingum falls to 2-9 overall with a 1-3 conference record.


SENIOR DAY
Before the game, Capital honored its three seniors for their years of service to the program. Mujahid Abdel-Ghani, Justin Luke, and Jared Wright were celebrated in the pregame ceremony for their contributions over the years. Abdel-Ghani and Wright went on to start the game. Luke was unable to play due to injury.


HOW IT HAPPENED
Capital clearly held the upper hand in terms of offense, dominating possession with a seemingly constant push towards the goal. The Comets held the ball for 63-percent of the first 45 minutes and managed 17 attempts at goal. Unfortunately for the Purple and White, the eight shots that were able to reach the frame were saved in a phenomenal performance from Muskie keeper Caden Groff, with the other nine either falling offline or not making it through the Muskingum defense. At the half-way mark, the score stood stagnant at 0-0.

In the second half, the Comets stepped up their offensive push, and the ball rarely left their attacking half. It was not longer until CU finally broke through and put one in the back of the net, scoring just three minutes into the fresh period. The goal came from scoring leader Devon Hess who netted his fifth of the year off of an assist from Samuel Yocum, his second.

From there the Comets did not stop their attacking efforts, rather doubling down and adding 28 shots to their total. While most of these did fall off line, the pressure was still there and Capital managed to put nine toward their target, again mainly falling short due to spectacular saves from the Muskingum goalkeeper. Eventually, CU finally beat the keeper for a second time. This insurance goal came at the end of a play started at the midfield by Jacob Deever who played a ball through to Jack Francisco. Once at Francisco's feet, the junior attacker passed it to his partner in crime Jack Kossoudji who forcibly deposited it into the right side of the goal halfway through the 81st minute. Up two goals, the Comets would ride out the last nine minutes to a 2-0 victory, finally ringing the bell for a second time this season.


THE NUMBERS
Capital sent a literal barrage of balls towards the goal in the game, taking a total of 45 shots, the most in a game in recent memory. Of the 45 shots, the Comets managed to put 17 on target, the highest number in a single game since the 2017 season when the team put 18 shots on goal also against Muskingum.

Devon Hess scored his team-leading fifth goal of the season. He was assisted by Samuel Yocum who is credited with his second of the season. Hess took one other shot that fell off kilter.

Jack Kossoudji wouldn't let Hess get too far ahead on the team leaderboard, as his goal keeps him just one goal behind at four on the year. Jack Francisco and Jacob Deever were on the assist for the score. It is Francisco's fifth of the season – extending his team lead – and Deever's second.

Kossoudji also led the team in attacking chances in the game. He took a career-high 10 shots, with four on target.

Jarrett Puckett was close behind with nine shots coming from the back line, a career-high as well. He struck his target three times. 

Francisco followed suit with six shots, a new career-high for him as well. Half of his shots were online.

Rhyan Caruso and Deever had five shots each. Deever hit his mark with two and Caruso did the same with one of his chances.

Alex Spiers and Jared Wright took the first shots of their careers in the contest. Spiers sent three towards the net with one reaching its target. Wright sent one ball towards the goal from deep that ended up being saved.

The other Comets to have a go were Zade Awad (2), Mujahid Abdel-Ghani (1), and Alex Moore (1). 

Not to be understated was the play of the Purple and White back line, with the rotation consisting of Colton Daugherty, Yocum, Puckett, Wright, Moore, and Spiers. The group only allowed the Muskies to manage four shots, with three on target. The goose egg on the opposing side of the scoreboard is Cap's first shutout of the season.

Connor Sexton was in net for Cap once again, playing the full 90 minutes as the last line of defense. He made three saves.


THE OPPONENT
The star on the other side was the keeper Caden Groff. In just his second start, Groff made numerous notable saves against the 45 shots that he faced. Despite Capital shooting 17 shots on goal, Groff held the Comets to a fairly narrow margin at 2-0. He made 13 saves in the game.


UP NEXT
The Comets will travel to Mount Union on Saturday, October 15 for a one o'clock faceoff with the Purple Raiders.