BOX SCORE COLUMBUS, Ohio - Playing at home for the first time since Sept. 9, the Capital men's soccer (7-3-0) team treated the home crowd to a commanding 4-0 victory over non-conference opponent Wittenberg (1-6-1).
Undaunted by continuous rain fall throughout the match the Crusaders, which are ranked No. 9 in this week's NSCAA Great Lakes Regional Poll, have now won five straight matches including the last three by shutout and improved to 2-1-0 at home this season.
Reigning OAC Player of the Year Steven McCarthy (Centerville, Ohio/Archbishop Alter HS) continued his recent assault on the opponent's net as he posted his second shutout of the season. He now has 13 goals and 30 points to his credit already this year. McCarthy moved into sixth place all-time in OAC career goals scored (58) and points (131). He is already Capital's all-time leader in both categories.
The All-American started the scoring by heading in a corner kick from younger brother Daniel McCarthy (Centerville, Ohio/Archbishop Alter HS) and getting his shot past Tigers keeper Michael Lambeck for the match's first goal in the eighth minute. The second leading scorer for Capital, Daniel notched his fourth assist and 12th point of the season.
Steven McCarthy stuck again before the Tigers could regroup, scoring an unassisted goal in the match's 10th minute by taking advantage of a lose ball inside Wittenberg's defensive box. The goal gave Capital a 2-0 halftime lead and increased the Crusaders' first half scoring advantage to 15-4 over their opponents thus far this season.
Senior Ryan Cieply (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North HS) recorded his first assist of the season in the 58th minute by feeding Steven McCarthy from the top of the box . McCarthy's goal continued Cieply's three-game consecutive point-scoring steak (two goals and one assist in 3-0 wins over Hanover and Mount St. Joseph).
Senior Josh Thaboune (Bexley, Ohio/Bexley HS) got into the scoring act in the 77th minute, taking a feed from junior Ian Warmbrodt (Wadsworth, Ohio/Copley HS) at the top of the box and netting his first goal of the season.
Earning his fifth win in six starts was junior Justin Bultman (Maineville, Ohio/King Mills HS), whose defense limited the Tigers to 10 shots (four on goal). Sophomore Daren Scarberry (Grove City, Ohio/Grove City HS) also made two saves for a defensive unit that has not permitted a goal for 346:47 minutes played. Capital last yielded a goal in the 14th minute in their 2-1 win over Denison back on September 16.
Capital's shooting was at a premium, as 14 of the team's 17 shots were on goal. CU also had seven corner kicks to WU's five.
The Crusaders, who have now won seven of their last eight matches, have recorded three straight shutouts and have outscored their opponents 16-3 during their five-win winning steak.
Capital will remain at home to play host to Thomas More on CU Youth Soccer Day on Sunday. The women will begin the doubleheader at 1 p.m. followed by the men at 3 p.m. with special events planned throughout the day for youth soccer programs in the Columbus area.