Cardinals Fall to Montgomery in Defensive Battle

CCBC Catonsville's men's soccer team fell 1-0 to Montgomery College on Thursday evening for its first season loss.

Despite an excellent defensive performance, the Cardinals (1-1) could not capitalize on Montgomery's mistakes. They did manage to keep the contest close, only allowing a single goal to the defending Region 20 Division I champions.

Thursday's contest was a slow, defensive battle filled with 36 total fouls and missed shots aplenty. Rain in the second half contributed to the lack of shots as the wet field became treacherous for both teams.

Montgomery would control possession for most of the first half, leaving Catonsville freshman goalie Franklin Duarte (Meade) to make several excellent saves. While Catonsville's defense continued to hold the line, the offense struggled to move the ball upfield against a tough Montgomery defense. Catonsville did manage to get two shots off, which was the most allowed by Montgomery all season.

Tied 0-0 at the half, both teams dug in for a defensive battle in the second. Duarte gave the Cardinals a boost of confidence with an amazing save of a penalty kick early in the half, leading to an increased offensive attack by the Cardinals. Catonsville had ample opportunities to score thanks to constant Montgomery turnovers, but the Raptor defense held the Cardinals scoreless. The closest the Cardinals would come was deep into the second when sophomore striker Mike Miranda (Lansdowne) broke loose off a deep pass from freshman midfielder Gio Guerrero (North Stafford). Raptor goalie Thomas Mauro made the save to keep the Cardinals off the board.

Montgomery ended the tie in the second when Addis Tafese got behind Duarte for the game's only goal. Despite the 1-0 loss, the Cardinals performed valiantly against one of the best offenses in the region. Catonsville allowed just five shots on goal by the Raptors all day, a season-low. The defensive performance continues to show the improved performance of this Cardinals team.

Next up for the Cardinals is a match with Howard Community College on Tuesday, August 29.