WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's soccer team got back to winning ways Tuesday night, flying past Susquehanna in a Landmark Conference matchup.
It was all smiles on Carlini Field as the Cardinal performance was comprehensive. Travis Beauchamp's men looked dangerous from the opening whistle to the final whistle regardless of who was on the pitch.
Catholic flew out of the gates as Gordie Bernlohr fired his team ahead just 69 seconds into the match.
After great work on the left flank by Andrew Lowman, the junior fired in a brilliant left-footed cross. Bernlohr's run to the front post was perfect and he connected with a chest-high, inside-of-the-foot finish that flew into the side netting, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to his spot.
Catholic continued to push for the second but had to settle for a 1-0 lead at halftime. The Cardinals finally doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Bernlohr struck again, putting in his sixth of the campaign.
This time the goal was built out of hard work, good reading of the game and a bit of luck. After playing a goal kick short, Susquehanna goalkeeper Tony Burns received a poor ball back from his defender. His touch was long and Bernlohr had sensed the opportunity and sprinted into the penalty area, dispossessing Burns, rounding him and slotting home past two helpless defenders on the goal line.
Catholic continued to push for more, with substitutes Lorenzo Carletti and Ryan Bradby looking dangerous. Carletti nearly scored a handful of times and Bradby produced a brilliant strike from well outside the area that was well-saved by Burns.
Catholic's third goal came in the 79th minute courtesy of an unlikely scorer.
Ryan Kuegler and Carletti combined down the right wing before Carletti whipped in a devastating low ball aimed toward the run of Connor Bailey at the front post. The senior was unable to stretch for it but freshman Luke Lillis was making a late run at the back post and deposited a powerful finish for his first collegiate goal.
Lillis had been lively since coming on, putting in some dangerous crosses from his left wingback role. Carletti earned his way onto the scoresheet with the assist after a strong performance.
In addition to Lillis and Lowman, Liam Giblin and Corey Magro also caused the River Hawks all sorts of problems at the wingback positions.
Catholic's three center backs—Owen Maher, Mudi Jagha and Maxim Pencak—were sound in front of Owen Allegro as the defensive unit kept its fourth clean sheet of the season.
The Cardinals outshot Susquehanna 26-4 in the match that saw 31 Catholic players contribute.
With the victory, the squad moves to 5-5-1 overall and remains unbeaten in Landmark Conference play at 2-0-1. The conference matches will continue to come thick and fast as the Cardinals will remain at Carlini Field for a Saturday matchup with Drew. Kickoff against the Rangers is set for 1 p.m.
