KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Capital University men's soccer team has moved into the Top 25 national rankings for the first time this season in advance of its debut in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The Crusaders were ranked No. 22 in this week's National Collegiate Soccer Coaches Association Poll, which was released on Tuesday.
After receiving votes in the national poll for the first time last week, Capital moved into the Top 25 for the third consecutive season on Tuesday after taking home the OAC Tournament Title this past weekend with a penalty-kick shootout victory over then-#20 Ohio Northern.
Overall this season, Capital is 1-1-1 against nationally ranked teams. The Crusaders opened the season with a 3-0 loss to then-#15 Ohio Northern on Sept. 1. CU then travelled to the Pacific Northwest on Sept. 13 and defeated then #16 Whitworth, 4-2. Capital overcame an 0-2 halftime deficit to take then-#20 Ohio Northern to overtime and win in a penalty-kick shootout, 2-1 in the OAC Tournament Final on Saturday.
Capital will make its first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday when it plays host to Transylvania in a 1 p.m. match. Tickets for Thursday's match are $6 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and $2 for children (12 and under). Tickets will be available on the day of the game and doors will open at Noon. Fans can also follow the action with FREE Live Stats, Video and Audio at http://www.capitalcrusaders.net/.
The winner of Thursday's contest will advance to the NCAA Second Round at #3 Ohio Wesleyan on Sunday at 6 p.m.