WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's soccer team opened up its season with a convincing 5-0 victory over Baruch in the Turk Emekli Classic on Saturday afternoon.

The Cardinals were not to be denied on the day. Less than two minutes into the match, sophomore Gordie Bernlohr utilized great close-control in Baruch's penalty area and was eventually dragged down by a combination of Bearcat defenders to earn an early penalty kick for Catholic.

Despite skying the spot kick over the bar, the Cardinals would convert their first four shots on target to build a 4-0 lead just 26 minutes into the match.

Senior Darius Siahpoosh avenged his penalty miss just five minutes later as he ghosted in unmarked to finish with a beautiful right-footed volley from the penalty spot. Just seven minutes after, Bernlohr tucked away a header after a Michael Hanlon flick-on from a Domenic Caltabiano free kick. Caltabiano also provided the assist on the seventh-minute strike.

Siahpoosh wasn't done yet, as the opportunistic midfielder made a nuance of himself on a cross from the right flank in the 24th minute. Baruch's Kellen Sela made a mess of the situation, tipping the ball onto the crossbar, which eventually fell at the feet of Siahpoosh, who tapped in easily for his brace.

Just two minutes later, sophomore Andrew Lowman produced a sumptuous strike, curling a right-footed shot into the far corner beyond a helpless dive from the Bearcat goalkeeper for his first career goal.

The Cardinals added a fifth in the second half, when sophomore Ryan Kelly sliced to the left side of the penalty area and powered a low cross toward the face of goal. Bearcat defender Carl Kieri got the final touch, inadvertently tapping into his own net.

Senior Troy Young and freshman Daniel Ferrer split halves in the Cardinal goal, combining for the clean sheet. Ferrer made two saves in his collegiate debut.

Catholic outshot Baruch 15-4. Sophomore Lorenzo Carletti put both of his shots on target and looked lively going forward.

No. 23 Montclair State defeated Oswego State, 1-0, in the opening match of the Turk Emekli Classic. Tomorrow, Oswego State will face Baruch at 11 a.m. before Catholic hosts the Red Hawks at 2 p.m.