COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University men's soccer team opened up the 2023 season with a resounding 4-1 win over Transylvania University. The game and the win both proved to be the first on the newly laid turf surface at Bernlohr Stadium. Additionally, it was the first win in the head coaching career of Interim Head Coach Frank Speth. 

The Comets who are now 1-0 on the year got goals from four different scorers – Jarrett Puckett, Tony Epstein, Jack Francisco and Jack Kossoudji. 

In the first half, the Comets garnered the lead in the 20th minute as Puckett's free kick from the left side took a deflection on its way to goal and beat the Pioneer goalie for the opening score of the season. 

With all the momentum and 12 first half shots, Capital doubled their lead with a headed goal from Epstein in the 34th minute. Epstein's header came in a clean-up effort of Kossoudji's initial header. Epstein's goal was the first of his collegiate career. 

After halftime, Transylvania got a goal back as Dylan Barnes ripped in a free kick to the upper 90 in the 47th minute. 

Despite the brief setback, Capital stayed calm and eventually added two more goals, thanks to their forward tandem Jack Francisco and Jack Kossoudji. First, Francisco earned a penalty kick and then converted to make it 3-1 and then Kossoudji followed it up with the final goal of the game by cleaning up his own rebound. 

Despite allowing the one goal on the free kick, Ethan Ogden looked strong in goal thanks in large part to the play of his backline consisting of Puckett, Alex Moore, Brennan Hesse, Keegan Reese and Colton Daugherty. Ogden finished this time with three saves. Connor Sexton remained untested in his relief appearance. 

The Comets will look to ride the momentum into Sunday, September 3rd when they host Roanoke College at 1 p.m. The matinee contest will mark Capital's last home game until September 16th.