WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Catholic women's soccer team hosted Juniata in its final regular season Landmark Conference matchup and had an impressive offensive showing in a 3-0 win.
In the 32nd minute, senior captain
Sam Cesario put the Cardinals on the board for the first time in this match. Cesario dribbled around her defenders and moved to the left side of the penalty box. Her shot was sent sailing to the back of the net, past goalkeeper Emma Stiller, giving Cesario her fourth goal in just seven games this season.
The Cardinals continued their pressure on the Juniata defense. With offensive control, Catholic doubled their lead in the 36th minute.
Kelsie Price, waiting at the top of the box, received a cross from Cesario on the left. Price quickly collected and shot, scoring low right to increase the lead to 2-0.
In the 52nd minute of the matchup, the Cardinals once again were presented with a goal scoring opportunity. Juniata received a handball in the box, giving way to a Catholic penalty kick. Junior
Angelina Serrano stepped up to the line to take the shot for Catholic with Juniata's Stiller still in goal. Serrano sent the ball decisively into the bottom left corner of the goal, while Stiller predicted low right, bringing the score to 3-0.
The combined defensive efforts of
Ava Rieger,
Teighan Boyle,
Brienna Spano, and
Erin Doyle helped keep the Eagles scoreless. With her shutout today, senior goalkeeper Rieger now has four shutouts in a row and 30 in her career.
Catholic outshot Juniata 27 to six with nine and two shots on goal, respectively. The Cardinals were awarded 10 corners on the night, while the Eagles earned none.
Sam Cesario added three points to her stat line with a goal and an assist in today's matchup.
Angelina Serrano scored her second goal of the season off of her penalty kick while
Kelsie Price chalked up her third goal of the season against Juniata.
The Cardinals finish the regular season with a 9-6-3 record and 6-1-2 in conference.
With the Cardinals' win tonight, they will host the first round game of the Landmark Conference Women's Soccer Championships. Third ranked Catholic will take on sixth ranked Drew on Saturday, November 1st at 2 p.m. at Carlini Field.
