COLUMBUS, Ohio – Playing against a tough opponent to open up the 2022 campaign, the Capital University men's soccer team fell 1-0 to begin their season against Loras College on Friday evening. 

As will be the case most of the season, Loras proved to be a difficult opposition as they won their conference a year ago and qualified for the NCAA Second Round. 

The Comets, who fell to 0-1 on the season, struggled offensively, thrusting just six total shots toward goal – none of which tested Owen Johnson in the Loras goal. 

Both teams went to the half with relatively little on the attacking front. Loras had slightly a better time going forward with the lone shot on goal from Owen Ivanuck. 

After the intermission, which featured the recognition ceremony for Capital Hall of Famer Steven McCarthy, Loras emerged from the break with the upper hand. The early pressure paid off in the 48th minute as Reed Miklavcic headed home the opening goal off a corner kick from Taylor Sowell. The corner proved to be the Duhawks' seventh of the game. On this one, Miklavcic found space on the front post and beat Connor Sexton in the Capital goal. 

After the goal, Loras settled in defensively and made life difficult for the Capital offensive front. While the Comets were able to get a few balls into the attacking zone, they struggled to maintain possession and the chances were quickly snuffed out by Duhawk defenders. Despite multiple pushes forward, the Purple and White would come out empty-handed as the clock continued to tick down. Time ultimately ran out with the score still reading 1-0 in favor of Loras.

HALL OF FAME RECOGNITION
During halftime, Capital paid homage to one of the most decorated men's soccer players in program history in Steven McCarthy. McCarthy was a 2010 graduate of Capital and excelled on the soccer field earning All-American honors twice and being named All-Region, All-Ohio, and All-OAC four times each. He is the current Capital record holder in career points and career goals as well. After his stellar career, Steven was inducted in the Capital Hall of Fame in 2021. During the halftime ceremony, Steven was presented with a framed Capital jersey by current head men's soccer coach Alan Yost. President Dave Kaufman, Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. and Alumni Director April Novotny joined Steven for the recognition as well. 
 

UP NEXT
Capital makes a quick turn around as they play host to yet another difficult opponent tomorrow night. The Comets will host Case Western Reserve in a 7 p.m. kickoff to keep their opening weekend going.