Catholic University of America

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Catholic men's soccer team returned home on Saturday afternoon for a top 25 matchup against 12th-ranked Scranton in the second to last game of the regular season. The Royals found a way to score a goal in the early stages of the second half and that was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals. 

In the first half, the Cardinals generated a great chance in the opening three minutes of the action as Seth Michalak ripped a shot on target that was saved by Justin Scavalla. James Mayo got off the only two shots of the half for the Royals in a three minute stretch, but neither hit the target. 

Carson Shamoo created some space and tried to bury a shot from outside the 18-yard box but Scavalla once again made a save in the 30th minute. Both defenses prevented any more chances throughout the half and the game went into the break knotted at zero. 

The Royals grabbed a hold of the match just two minutes into the second half when Quinlan Rink rattled the net to give them a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Shamoo tried to pull things back even on a shot attempt that was once again saved by Scavalla. 

Throughout the final 45 minutes, Catholic out-shot Scranton 10-2 with Azaria Tewodros, Christian Backich and Michalak all putting shots on target but it could not find an equalizing goal. The loss dropped the Cardinals to 10-2-4 on the season and 4-2-2 in conference play. 

Trevor Grice made his third start in goal this season and played the full 90 minutes in the loss. Ellington Andrews, Carson Shamoo, Corey Magro and Aidan Brindle all also played the full 90 on Saturday afternoon.

The regular season concludes on Wednesday, October 28 against Juniata for the Cardinals. Kickoff is set for 7 pm on Carlini Field.