CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team kicked off the 2022 season on Thursday night, playing visitor to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Exactly one year on from their last matchup, the Comets came out with a strong effort, but it was ultimately not enough to overcome the 12th ranked Spartans as the Comets dropped the season opener, 2-4.


FIRST HALF
The first half was nothing short of a battle with the teams each trying to pull ahead and start the new season off on the right foot. Case Western showed its offensive prowess, getting off 15 shots in the first 45 minutes of play. However, a stout defensive effort from the Purple and White caused the majority to fly off kilter, with only four attempts reaching the target. The shots that did make it through were shut down by Cap's senior keeper Lauren White who went 4-for-4 on saves in the period, leaving the Spartans empty-handed.

Despite being in the minority in terms of offensive chances, the Comets made the most of what they were able to push through and pressured CWRU keeper Maggie Storti with three shots, two on target. The "off-target" shot actually beat Storti but took an unfortunate bounce off the left post and was gobbled up by the Spartan defense. Madeline Woodruff led the squad with two shots, followed by Avery Hart with one. The teams would head to the locker rooms locked at 0-0. 


SECOND HALF
The second half was a completely different story as both teams found the net multiple times. Capital started things off quickly, scoring within the first 10 minutes of the period. The goal came off the foot of last year's leading scorer Avery Hart in the 55th minute. The left post was much more favorable to the Comets this time around as the senior Hart fired a shot off the woodwork and into the opposite side netting.

Case Western Reserve was quick to reply, putting up a score of their own only four minutes later and making it a 1-1 game. The tie was short-lived as Hart would score her second of the game after another four minutes. This time the forward from Pickerington found the top right corner of the net from outside the box with a super strike from deep.

Once again, the lead was not safe for long as the Spartans put in another less than three minutes later. From then on, CWRU would take the lead and add an insurance goal in the 70th and 73rd minutes. This concluded the 20-minute span of six combined goals between the two teams and the final 16 minutes played out quietly until the final whistle ended the game 4-2 in favor of Case Western Reserve.


THE NUMBERS
Capital put up nine shots in the effort, five of which were on target. 

Avery Hart is out to a quick lead with a team-high five shots (four on goal) and two goals. 

Madeline Woodruff clocked in for two shots, one on target and one off the woodwork in the first half. 

Catherine Zugaro provided one shot on the offensive end.

Aaliyah Brletic and Grace Estes played key roles in the Cap attack, playing several balls forward to get chances going for the Purple and White. 

Lauren White patrolled the goal line for Capital, making eight saves against 13 shots on goal.

Finally, the night marked the first minutes for two freshman Comets. Freshmen Lizzie Elliott, and Taylor Marcum made their debuts for the Purple and White as substitutes. Elliott recorded the first shot attempt of her Cap career. Also making her season debut and long awaited return from injury was junior Tori Kittrell. 


THE OPPONENT
Case Western Reserve recorded 26 shots, 13 of which were on target.

The Spartan goals were scored by Camryn Hartman, Merry Meyer, Samantha Cramin, and Aniya Hartzler.

Maggie Storti made three saves for CWRU.


UP NEXT
The Comets will retake the field on Friday, September 9 on the west side of Cincinnati, taking on the Lions of Mount Saint Joseph University. Kick off for that game is set for 7pm.