WASHINGTON – The Catholic University of America men's soccer team placed four in the net for a 4-0 Landmark Conference victory over Scranton on the CUA Soccer Field Saturday afternoon.

The Cardinals came out strong in front of a big crowd for their homecoming match against the Royals.  

CUA took six shots in the first half, getting three past Scranton goalkeeper Eric Hintz.

"We played really well. Scranton has had a good season and the guys were excited for the matchup. With homecoming and a good crowd, we put together a good performance," said CUA Head Men's Soccer Coach Travis Beauchamp.

At the 14th minute of play Nico Bartolomeo took a shot off a pass back from Connor Keale, and making its way into the back of the net. Less than two minutes later Tyler Zimmerman brought the ball up the left side of the field and fired a shot into the back of the net. For a 2-0 Catholic lead.

CUA maintained possession for the remainder of the half. Josh Barrett booted the ball into the top of the 18-yard box in the 36th minute. The pass found the foot of Ben Fleri, who stuck the ball into the net. 

At the half, the mighty black and red were ahead 3-0.

The Cardinals fourth goal came from a penalty kick in the second half. After a Scranton yellow card in the penalty box, Alex Laprade sent the free kick into the back of the net.

Scranton tried to rally back in the second half, but the Catholic defense was able to stop them from taking any shots. 

"Our defense is really coming along well. Once we got into conference play it has been an emphasis. I think team defending has been outstanding and that continued today," said Beauchamp.

The Cardinals outshot Scranton 8-3 over all with Laprade taking two shots. All three of Scranton's shots were on goal and stopped by Catholic goalkeeper Torsten Meuschke.

With the win Catholic improves to 7-5-2 overall, while Scranton falls to 9-4-1. The Cardinals lead the Landmark Conference with a 4-1-1 record, Scranton is tied for fourth with a 3-2 conference record.

The Cardinals travel to Collegeville, Pa., to play Ursinus College in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, October 21 at 7 p.m.

-CUA-