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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks

Men's Soccer Captures OAC Tournament Title With Victory Over Capital

Alex Bernot (#16) scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime against Capital that handed JCU an OAC Tournament crown and a bid to the NCAA playoffs

from staff reports

box score

The John Carroll men's soccer team completed its revenge tour of the Ohio Athletic Conference by knocking off regular season champion Capital University, 2-1 in overtime, to capture the OAC tournament title and automatically qualify for the NCAA Division III Championship.

In winning its fifth OAC tournament crown since the inception of the league playoffs in 1992, John Carroll vanquished all three teams (Marietta, Heidelberg and Capital) that defeated the Blue Streaks during the conference regular season schedule.

John Carroll freshman Kyle Buxman delivered the first goal of the day at the 36:15 mark in the first period. The Blue Streaks held on to the 1-0 lead for the remainder of the half.

However, after the break, Capital came out with a quick score by Steven McCarthy assisted by Heath Oberle.  The score was tied 1-1 with over 44 minutes left to play in regulation.

The Crusaders took 18 shots in the second period compared to nine for JCU, but the Blue Streaks' sophomore keeper, Matt DeMarchi, had five saves in the second period to keep the score knotted at 1-1 all the way through the end of regulation time.  

In the first overtime, John Carroll and Capital each took two shots in an attempt to end the game. However, time elapsed without another goal to break the tie.

But in the second overtime, just 46 seconds into the period, JCU senior Alex Bernot scored on a breakaway to win the game.

John Carroll is now 12-8 on the season, and will find out on Monday, November 5, to find out who and where they will play in the Division III playoffs that begin next week. Capital, which was ranked #14 in the nation entering play this afternoon, lost for the just the second time this year and first time since Sept. 29 (1-0 to Wilmington). The Crusaders are now 15-2-3 on the season.

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