WASHINGTON, D.C. – The third seeded Catholic women's soccer team secured a win against sixth seeded Drew in the First Round of the Landmark Conference Tournament thanks to an impressive offensive showing.
In the previous matchup this season, the Cardinals defeated the Rangers 4-0. In today's contest, Catholic came out hot, looking to win again in the same fashion.
Ava Gregorio captured the first goal of the game for the Cardinals in the seventh minute. Goalkeeper Sarah Crowley came off of her post attempting to pull the ball in. Crowley mishandled, allowing
Peyton Coron to collect the ball. Quickly Coron passed the ball to her left, Gregorio took one dribble and sent the ball blazing to the back.
After collecting the ball at midfield,
Emily Harkins outpaced her defender all the way up the right sideline. Coron received a pass inside the penalty box, sending the ball through the legs of Crowley to increase the Catholic lead in the seventh minute of the second half. With her assist, Harkins now has two on the season.
Sam Cesario scored in the 61st minute of the game, proving to be a true difference maker after coming back from injury only seven games ago. The ball was bouncing around between Catholic and Drew feet in the penalty box, when Cesario collected and fired it to the back of the net.
Kaitlyn Houri and
Teighan Boyle were remarkable on defense, acting as a brick wall for the Cardinals. The defense held the Rangers to only three shots, with only one making it through to goalkeeper
Ava Rieger.
Peyton Coron, a playmaker for Catholic, earned a season high three points in today's matchup with one goal and one assist. Coron also sits third on the goals leaderboard for the Cardinals.
Sam Cesario now has five goals on the season in just eight games, only one behind the team leader
Caroline Aponte.
Ten different Cardinals shot the ball against Drew.
Kelsie Price and
Caroline Aponte led the team with 3 shots apiece.
Isabel Doherty,
Alex Berish, Coron, and Cesario each chalked up two shots.
Up next, the Cardinals will travel to Williamsport, Pa to take on the second seeded Lycoming Warriors on November 5th at 7 p.m. in the Landmark Conference Tournament Semifinals.
