Women's Soccer falls to Capital in OAC Tournament Semifinals 1-0

By Ashley Birchmeier

ADA -- Ohio Northern women's soccer team fell to Capital 1-0 in semifinal action on a rainy evening at Kerscher Stadium.

ONU falls to 10-7-2 to end its season, while Capital improves to 15-5-1 overall, and advances to the finals of the OAC Tournament to be held Saturday.

The first half started slowly as neither team could establish an offense. 

The first shot of the game came in the 19th minute from Ohio Northern freshman Anna Niemeyer, the shot was saved by goalkeeper Kim Leitch.

The Polar Bears pressured the Crusaders late in the half but were unable to find a goal, ONU outshot Capital in the half 6-2.

Ohio Northern came out quick in the second half as sophomore Rachel Weigman took a shot in the 48th minute that hit the top crossbar.

Capital was able to find the game-winning goal in the 71st minute as Shelby Johnson took a shot from just inside the 18 that found the far corner of the net. 

Ohio Northern threatened in the 87th minute as sophomore Michaela Gutierrez played a corner kick from junior Hannah Moloney that was just high of goal.

ONU outshot the Crusaders in the game 14-7 and edged them in corner kicks 7-3.

The Polar Bears were led in the game by junior goalkeeper Emily Brodict with three saves.