WASTINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's soccer team opened Landmark Conference play with a 1-0 victory over rivals Scranton on Saturday afternoon.

Darius Siahpoosh's 35th-minute spot kick was enough to see the Cardinals past the Royals in what was a very even match.

Scranton looked the more dangerous side early in the match, testing Cardinal goalkeeper Austin Coron often. Scranton utilized long throw-ins in the attacking third to put pressure on Catholic's goal, but Coron commanded his area well, dealing with high balls and crosses throughout the match. 

The Cardinals found the breakthrough with their first clear-cut opportunity. Shortly after entering the match for the first time, freshman Matthew McFadden won the ball in the midfield and played a brilliant ball through to Gordie Bernlohr.

Just as Bernlohr and Royal goalkeeper Aidan Hartey arrived at to challenge for the 50-50 ball, a Scranton defender, attempting to chase Bernlohr down, nudged him in the back and sent him tumbling over the goalkeeper. The referee spotted the foul and awarded Catholic the penalty kick, which Siahpoosh converted via the left upright.

Catholic's two leading goalscorers combined for the tally. The goal pushes Siahpoosh to six on the season, even with his strike partner Bernlohr.

Coron produced his best save of the match five minute later, when he dove to his left to repel a header that was redirected by Adam Havens. He made 4 saves en route to his second clean sheet of the season. 

The match tightened up in the second half, with neither team producing a shot for nearly 30 minutes of game time.

There wasn't much to seperate the two sides. Scranton outshot Catholic 10-9, while the Cardinals put five shots on target to Scranton's four. The Cardinals committed 12 fouls while the Royals were whistled for 10.

Freshman Ben Zimmer was immense in a defensive midfield role. He put in a shift, playing the entire match and winning almost every aerial duel in the center of the park.

Centerback partners Owen Maher and Maximilian Penczar were dominant throughout the affair, while Liam Giblin looked a threat going forward, often cutting inside from his right back position.

The Cardinals are now eight games unbeaten. They will look to extend that streak on Tuesday night when they welcome Eastern to Carlini Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.