Catholic University of America

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The Catholic men's soccer team looked to lock up a home game in the upcoming Landmark Conference tournament on Wednesday night in a contest against Juniata. The Cardinals took advantage of a penalty kick in the final minutes of the first half, leading to a 2-0 victory over the Eagles. 

Catholic created a couple dangerous chances as Azaria Tewodros ripped a clean shot in the 15th minute that sailed just above the cross bar. Michael Brown also received a solid chance to score in the first half when he took a shot six yards away from goal, but the Juniata defense deflected his opportunity just to the right of the goal. The Cardinals tested the Eagles goalkeeper, Maxwell Mattioni, several times during the first 45 minutes, forcing him to make three saves.

The Cardinals finally found their breakthrough in the half when Andres Lopez was running on the end of a lofted pass into the box and was dragged down by an Eagles defender to create a penalty opportunity. Carson Shamoo stepped up to the spot and ripped a shot perfectly into the side netting on the left side to put Catholic ahead 1-0 with five minutes remaining in the period. The Cardinals only allowed one shot from the Eagles in the first half which was off target. 

Catholic doubled its lead in the early stages of the second half when Seth Michalak received a cross in the box right in front of goal. His first shot was saved by Mattioni, but Michalak pounced on the rebound and slotted the close range shot into the back of the net to make it a 2-0 lead. 

The Cardinals controlled play and prevented the Eagles from gaining any momentum throughout the rest of the contest as Trevor Grice made a save on the lone shot on target from the Eagles to preserve the clean sheet. Catholic finished off a 2-0 victory to clinch the third seed in the conference tournament and finish the regular season 11-2-4 with a 5-2-2 Landmark record.

Michalak's goal extended his team-leading total to six on the season and he also moved into the team lead in points this year with 13. His six goals are also tied for the second most in the Landmark this season and it tied his career-high for a season. Shamoo's goal was his fourth of the season which also tied his career-high and he has now converted on both of his penalty attempts this year. 

Grice earned his third shut out of the season in goal and it was the 11th for the Cardinals this season. He played the full 90 minutes along with Graham Leary and Aidan Brindle in the victory.

Catholic will take on the six seed, Lycoming, on Saturday, October 31 in the First Round of the Landmark Conference tournament. Kick off is set for 2 pm on Carlini Field.