RADNOR, PA – The Cabrini men's soccer team fell just short in its quest to claim an Atlantic East Conference championship, as the Cavaliers suffered a 4-3 loss to Immaculata today at Edith Robb Dixon Field.
The loss closed the Blue and White's season with a 10-8-1 record and snapped its six match win streak.
The setback also closed the careers of Cabrini's its nine seniors,
Dani Acevedo,
Derrick Amoako,
Chris Araujo,
Justin Barbuto,
Thomas Butz,
Mike Gould,
Andre Justin,
Richie Montesdeoca and
Kostas Slikas.
This group has collected 43 victories and led the program to four conference championship games, including the 2017 CSAC title and the program's first ever NCAA Tournament victory.
They have combined for 77 points on 29 goals and 19 assists with 97 saves in their 461 appearances in their Cabrini kits.
The Mighty Macs didn't waste much time grabbing an early lead, as sophomore Zachary Malcolm took advantage of a Cabrini defensive miscue to score the game's first goal in the seventh minute.
The lead was short-lived, as Butz's long cross found freshman
Matt Duddy for a goal just two minutes later.
The score remained tied until the 28th minute, when sophomore
Dakota Bauer's free kick service found its way into the Mighty Macs' net.
The Cavaliers carried their 2-1 lead into the halftime break, but early in the second, the visitors gained control of the action.
Just over four minutes into the second stanza, Malcolm recorded his second goal of the game, converting a cross from senior Nick Boule.
The score remained deadlocked until Immaculata's speed forced a Cabrini penalty that led to a converted penalty kick by freshman Josh Fonder. Ten minutes later, freshman John Bohrer scored the eventual game-winner, collecting a loose ball in the Cabrini six-yard box.
Trailing by two goals, the Cavaliers continued to fight. Less than two minutes later, junior
Josh Cunningham continued his scoring streak, pulling the Blue and White to within 4-3 with nine minutes to play.
Despite its best efforts and hopes of the same late rally it displayed on Tuesday, Cabrini could not find its way to the game-tying goal.
The Cavaliers outshot Immaculata 11-7, but sent just four of its attempts toward the visitor's goal. Cunningham led the way with three shots, while Bauer, Duddy and Acevedo added two shots each.
Junior goaltender
Anthony Zampirri recorded two saves in the loss.
Malcolm was named the game's Most Valuable Player after recording two goals on a team-high three shots, while Bohrer added a pair. Junior Mikey Kalpocas was needed for just one save for Immaculata (9-9-2).