WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Landmark Conference schedule kicked off for the ninth-ranked Catholic men's soccer team on Saturday afternoon against Lycoming, looking to extend their run of conference games without suffering a defeat. In a bout that looked destined for a draw,
Alessandro Marquez Zeleya stole the game in the final seconds with a match clinching goal with just 22 seconds left on the clock to seal the program's 40th straight conference contest without a defeat.
The game-winning move was started when Charlie Paparella played a pass on the edge on the 18-yard box to Donik Elshani, who nearly won the game himself but his shot hit off the right goalpost. Marquez Zelaya pounced on the second ball however right in front of goal and tapped his shot into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.
The Cardinals dominated the second half in the shot total, outshooting the Warriors 12-3 over the final 45 minutes. Ellington Andrews put a shot on target in the 87th minute that was saved by Jace Bennett while Seth Michalak got off four shots in the second half but was unable to hit the target. Owen Allegro faced one shot on target in the second half in the 76th minute and was able to come up with a save to keep the clean sheet intact.
Lycoming had a chance to grab a lead in the first half on a shot from Vinny Tartaglia that rang off the crossbar. Marquez Zeleya had the lone shot on target in the opening 45 minutes for both teams.
The win improved the Cardinals record to 7-0-1 on the season and it is their second straight victory on the road against Lycoming. Allegro played the full 90 minutes along with Andrews, Graham Leary, Corey Magro and Charlie Paparella. The Cardinals locked up their fifth shutout of the season in the victory.
Marquez Zeleya's goal was the first game-winning goal of his career and it made him the seventh Catholic player to reach multiple goals on the season. He is also now tied for second on the team in points with five.
The Cardinals complete their four-game road stretch on Wednesday, September 30 against Salisbury. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm at Gerry DiBartolo Sea Gull Soccer Complex.
