Columbus, OH- Men's soccer kicked off the 2023 season playing away at Capital University. This is the first meeting between Transylvania and Capital since 2015 where the Pioneers came out on top 2-1 on the road. This is only the 5th time the Pioneers have taken on Capital since 2009 as the Pioneers defeated Capital in the NCAA DIII Tournament first round 2-1. The record sits at 2-2 between our two schools as a young and revamped Transy team looks to take the advantage.

The First Half

In the first half the Pioneers started slow, having to play more defensively. Sophomore Nolan Yantz anchored our team in goal playing all ninety minutes totaling 3 saves on the day. Capital would go up on the Pioneers in this half netting 2 goals against us in the '19th and the '33 minutes. The team would respond well showing aggression with sophomore Leo Bill substituting in generating positive energy taking a couple of shots to try and inspire his team. The half would be wrapped up by Spencer Waldrop attempting a shot narrowly missing the top shelf. The half ended 0-2. 

The Second Half

In the second half Transylvania responded as well as expected, scoring the first goal of the half in the '47th minute. Sophomore Dylan Barns scored the only goal for the Pioneers as he would do so unassisted. Transy would go on to out shoot the Comets in total shots this half but couldn't get enough to connect, and fell two more goals behind in the '54, and '57th minutes. This game ended against the Pioneers 1-4.

After the game coach Federici had this to say:

"We had good moments today and I was really happy with how we responded to going down early. At the end of the day, Capital was just better in key moments. It's a great way for this group to learn what it takes to compete at a high level."

With the first game behind them the Pioneers will look to bounce back at Denison as they are set to play Sunday, September 3rd at 11AM.

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics please check our website at www.transysports.com and follow Transy Sports on Twitter and Instagram @TransySports