WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's soccer team fought back to earn a draw against Landmark Conference newcomers Lycoming on Saturday afternoon.
The match featured the two top teams in the conference entering play on the day and it did not disappoint. Catholic had the lion's share of possession and created more chances, but Lycoming's stout defense stood up for most of the contest.
Despite threatening early through the likes of Domenico Caltabiano and others, Catholic could not find the breakthrough. Connor Bailey had the first chance of the match after Caltabiano picked him out well on the edge of the penalty area, but two Warrior defenders closed the space quickly to block the shot.
Lycoming did well to absorb pressure and eventually pulled ahead just before halftime. After Seth Michalak went into the referee's noteback for a foul on the left-edge of the penalty area, Dylan Sloan served a great ball to the front post that was nodded home by Joey Francis.
Despite outshooting the Warriors 8-5 in the opening half, the Cardinals found themselves behind at halftime.
Catholic turned the screw following the break, firing a handful of shots toward Nick Wilke's goal. Owen Maher unleashed a howitzer of a strike from 30+ yards but the goalkeeper did well to get his body behind it and ensure there was no rebound, as he did for much of the day.
Travis Beauchamp's men finally pulled level in the 70th minute through a bit of individual brilliance from their talisman Gordie Bernlohr.
The senior picked the ball up on the right wing and cut in past multiple defenders before unleashing a brilliant low strike that nestled in the far corner.
Following the equalizer, Catholic gained momentum and pushed for a winner, forcing two more saves out of Wilke, but could not find the winner. Catholic outshot Lycoming 32-10 overall and put nine strikes on target but Wilke was able to make eight saves. Owen Allegro made four saves of his own, all in the first half.
The Cardinals honored their six seniors prior to the match as part of senior day. Aaron Busbee, Ryan Bradby and Scott Cardoso joined Bailey and Bernlohr in the starting XI as Michael Hanlon was kept out due to injury.
The draw means that Lycoming remains at the summit of the Landmark Conference table with three matches to go. The Warriors sit at 5-0-1 as Catholic remains hot on their tails at 4-0-2.
Beauchamp's side will now turn its attention to a matchup with Goucher on Tuesday night at Carlini Field. Kickoff in Catholic's final home game of the regular season is set for 7 p.m.
