Men's Soccer Catholic Athletic Communications

Michalak's Game-Winning Goal Secures Catholic's Third-Straight Conference Championship

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Catholic men's soccer team is once again Landmark Conference Champions after a thrilling 1-0 victory over Drew on Saturday evening. A late goal from junior Seth Michalak sealed the win and the third consecutive title for the Cardinals.

Catholic controlled the pace from the opening whistle, firing seven shots and earning four corners, holding the Rangers to just one shot in the half. Despite the dominant start, the match remained scoreless heading into the break. 

After the halftime break, the Cardinals continued to attack, adding 15 more shots and three additional corners. Catholic had some crucial opportunities, but it wasn't until the 85th minute that their persistence paid off. After a scramble in the box, Michalak got a foot on the ball, sending it into the bottom right corner of the goal. 

Drew had some opportunities in the final five minutes, but the Cardinals' defense stood strong, preserving the lead and locking in the 1-0 victory. Catholic finished the match with 22 shots, including 10 on goal. Donik Elshani and Carson Shamoo led the charge with five shots apiece. The Cardinals held the Rangers to just four total shots with only one on target.

The Cardinals became the first program in Landmark history to win three consecutive Landmark Conference Championships. They have now won eight in program history, which is five more than any other school in the Landmark. The program's overall record in the conference tournament is 16-7-4 with the win.

The Cardinals are now 5-0 all-time against the Rangers in the Landmark Conference tournament and 2-0 against them in championship matches. Catholic has now won six consecutive matches in the Landmark Conference Tournament and has won 10 of its last 11 matches in the tournament. 

Michalak scored his sixth goal of the season on the match-winner, and he continues to lead the conference in game-winning goals with four. That goal made it back-to-back seasons for the Cardinals, scoring the game-winning goal in the conference championship in the final six minutes of the match.

Owen Allegro had to make one save in the match to help keep the clean sheet, which was the eighth consecutive shutout for the Cardinals. Allegro, along with Graham Leary, Ellington Andrews, Corey Magro, and Charlie Paparella, all played the full 90 minutes for Catholic. 

The Cardinals have earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament once again by winning the Landmark Championship. The Selection Show takes place on Monday, November 10, to see who Catholic will play in the postseason.