Hampden-Sydney, Va. - In a dominating first half performance, The Catholic University of America men's soccer team, returns to the nation's capital with a 4-0 victory over Hampden-Sydney College, on Wednesday evening.

The win brings Catholic to 4-4 in 2016 while Hampden-Sydney moved to 5-2 overall.

The Cardinals notched four goals over a 23-minute span in the first half. The scoring streak began just 4:02 into the contest when a shot from senior Sean Adams was deflected to the foot of freshman Joseph Nguyen who sent it over the Tigers' keeper, Cameron McFarlane's head.

Nearly seven minutes later (11:44) a Hampden-Sydney defender accidently got a hand on the ball in the 18-yard box and the referee awarded the Cardinals a penalty kick. Senior Miguel Hernandez headed to the line and ripped the shot into the back of the net, putting Catholic up 2-0.

Catholic's third score came in the 22nd minute. A shot by sophomore Brian Galfond was deflected out-of-bounds on the end line, granting the Cards a corner kick opportunity. Adams inbounded the ball, finding junior Cam Linnville, who tipped it to Galfond to complete the score.

Following a yellow card to Tigers' midfielder Grant van Gorder, six minutes later (26:50), the Cardinals put one more in the goal to secure the midweek victory. Sophomore Tyler Martin took the free shot that cleared the HSC defense to sneak right through McFarlane's hands.

Trailing 4-0, the Tigers looked to rally in the second half, taking six shots, but the Cardinals defense put a stop to each one.

Catholic outshot Hampden-Sydney just 15-14 during the 90-minute contest putting 10 on target. Galfond led the pack, taking four shots, with three on goal.

Senior Zachery Tashjy recorded his third win of the 2016 season making four saves. He and classmate Steven Lukas share credit for the shutout as Lukas wrapped up the final 15 minutes in goal for Catholic.

The Cardinals head to Selinsgrove, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 24, to open Landmark Conference play, against the Susquehanna University River Hawks at 3:30 p.m.

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