Box Score WASHINGTON — The Catholic University of America football team played against Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for the first time ever but were defeated, 31-14, inside Cardinal Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
WPI earned the time off possession battle by nearly 14 minutes and forced Catholic into four turnovers. The Cardinals did get two takeaways on an interception and a fumble recovery, but could not outscore the Engineers.
Catholic scored the first points of the game in the first quarter on a 29-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Alejandro Ros to rookie receiver Trey Carson midway through the first quarter.
WPI controlled for the next 30 minutes however with two second-quarter touchdowns to gain the lead as well as a field goal to take a 17-7 halftime advantage.
The two teams traded touchdowns in the third as a 13-yard run by freshman running back Chance LeGrand answered WPI's second-half score.
The Engineers also added a TD with just under a minute to go to help seal the win.
LeGrand finished his day with 12 rushes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Once again, senior punter Andrew DiNardo showed he is one of the top legs in the nation with two 60-yard booms while averaging 51.4 yards per punt over seven kicks. He put two inside the 20-yard line.
Senior safety Luke Kern was all over the field with a game-high 15 tackles. He also added a tackle for loss and forced a fumble.
Rookie corner Andrew Funaki intercepted his first career pass and had a strong return of 40 yards.
The Cards will have its bye to prepare for NEWMAC-leading Springfield on the road on Saturday, October 21st at 1 p.m.
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