COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team was back in action after a week-long hiatus, returning to the turf at Bernlohr Stadium for a primetime matchup with Hope. The Comets came into the game with a 3-2-0 record after a tough loss to Hanover a week before. Capital was plagued by sloppy play in that contest, dropping the game 3-0. The team that took the field against Hope had a completely different look to it, revitalized and ready to rumble. Cap put up a strong front and did not bend on defense, battling it out for a hard-earned 1-0 win over a very tough Flying Dutch team. 

The Comets get a well-needed and well-deserved victory, upping their record to 4-2-0.

Hope receives their second loss of their season, dropping to 4-2-1.


HOW IT HAPPENED
Capital came out strong with great play all around. The Comets connected on passes early and were able to push deep into Dutch territory to push pressure on the Hope defense. When Cap did cough the ball up, they were quick to press and win it back. This led to an increased presence in the attacking half of the field. It was only a matter of time until the Comets broke through, drawing first blood in the 20th minute of the game. The goal came from the foot of Madeline Woodruff, who sent a corner kick into the box, off the keeper's hands, and into the back of the net, for an unexpected Olimpico. The Comets kept pushing throughout the rest of the half, but to no avail. The teams hit the break with Capital holding a narrow one goal lead.

In the second half, Capital took on more of a defending role and Hope put all of their effort towards attacking. While the Comets did get a few chances to push forward and try to grab an insurance goal, the key players came from the Capital back line. Lexi Snider, Abby English, and Haley Moore made it their mission to stop any and all runs that came their way, whether that be through cutting them out and sending the ball back the other way for a Comet counterattack, or just simply sending the ball towards the stands in order to give their teammates time to regroup. In the end, the stout defensive effort made all the difference, keeping the Flying Dutch from equalizing and safeguarding a slim 1-0 lead to the end. When it was all said and done, the Purple and White emerged victorious with a win for their resume in yet another 1-0 result.


THE NUMBERS
Capital took a total of twelve shots in the contest. Despite the volume of attempts, they only managed to put two shots on goal.

Madeline Woodruff scored the only goal of the day for either team, it was her second of the season. She also took two total shots with the goal being the only of the pair that reached its mark.

Avery Hart led the Comets in the shooting column. She took four shots.

Grace Estes was the next busiest striker with two total shots.

Catherine Zugaro was responsible for the only other shot on goal, it was her only attempt.

Lexi Snider, Sophia Leonetti, and Lizzie Elliott combined for the last three of the Cap strikes, having one shot apiece.

Lauren White kept a clean sheet in goal for the Comets. She played the full 90 minutes and made two saves. 


THE OPPONENT
Liz Bellinger took the most shots for Hope with three in the game. Hayley Flynn and Bella Nagelkirk recorded the only two on target attempts for the Flying Dutch.

Parker Hutchinson played the full game in goal, making one save.

Jena Mustapha received the only card of the game, being cautioned in the 56th minute.


UP NEXT
The Comets will wrap up their non-conference schedule on Wednesday, September 28 with a road trip to Wittenberg. That game will be played in Springfield, Ohio at 7:00 p.m.