BOX SCORE SALISBURY, Md.- Led by the play of brothers Steven and Daniel McCarthy (Centerville, OH/Archbishop Alter HS), the Capital men's soccer team (1-2) earned their first victory of the 2009 campaign with a 3-0 win over St. Mary's (0-3) in the Elmer Lord Memorial Classic.
Steven, the reigning OAC Forward of the Year, netted a goal and a pair of assists, while his younger brother and 2008 OAC Midfielder of the Year, Daniel, added a goal and an assist.
"A great deal of what happens with the men's team is going to revolve and Steven and Danny with Danny being an attacking mid fielder and Steven being such a good goal scorer," head coach Dwight Burgess said.
Steven recorded the Crusaders' first goal of the season in the game's 27th minute, shooting into the back left of the net after his younger brother's corner kick.
"We changed a few things around today, and the guys got rolling after the beginning minutes of the game. It was nice to see different guys in different roles and for the outcomes to be positive," Burgess said.
Daniel got into the scoring act midway through the second half, with a shot that reached the bottom left of the next in the game's 62nd minute. In the game's final stanza, McCarthy found teammate Ian Warmbrodt (Wadsworth, OH/Copley HS), whose shot got past St. Mary's keeper Paul Spranlkin in the 87th minute to secure Capital's 3-0 match win.
"It was great goal for Ian for a lot of reasons. He missed all of last season after breaking his pelvis last summer. He has worked hard to get himself back, and every day he gets better," Burgess said. "Certainly before we get to the OAC season, Ian will be even closer to the player he was before his injury. He is very beneficial to the team."
After giving up seven goals in their first two matches, the Crusaders defense displayed a stingy effort Sunday, allowing only nine shots (compared to 21 by the Crusaders, with 12 shots on goal), four of which were shot on goal and saved by keeper Justin Bultman (Maineville, OH/ Kings Mills HS).
"We had to start defending on the other half of the field," Burgess said. "We made a premium to put more pressure on the defender's side of the field, and not let them establish momentum as they crossed midfield. The guys took the higher work rate and did a good job disrupting (St. Mary's) passing on their side of the field."
The win also bolstered the confidence of a veteran team that has big expectations for the season.
"The guys are glad to get their first win, and we're looking forward to putting on a good show against Anderson," Burgess said.
The men will return to action on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the second half of a Crusader soccer doubleheader, following the women's matchup with Anderson. Fans can follow both matches with FREE Live Video, Audio and Live Stats at www.CapitalCrusaders.net.