Win streak hits five after CUA shuts out McDaniel 2-0

WASHINGTON – CUA’s win streak hit five on Wednesday evening after the Cardinals downed visiting McDaniel 2-0 inside Cardinal Stadium.  Following a scoreless first half, Ben Fernandez put CUA on top with a goal in the 51st minute, and Mike Brennan sealed the win with his score in the 86th minute.

Despite neither team being able to score in the first half, there was not a shortage of shots with the two squads combining for 18 attempts in the opening 45 minutes.

Brian Maher got off the first one of the night 2:19 into the match, but Sean Best made the save for McDaniel.

The Green Terror’s first shot came from Max Rutherford at the 2:40 mark and sailed wide.

Beginning at the 17:08 mark, CUA reeled off three consecutive shots in two minutes, each of which Best stopped for the visitors.

Rutherford’s attempt at the 26:09 mark was saved by CUA’s Cam McGrory, as was John LaRocca’s shot two minutes later.

With under a minute to play before halftime, Ben Fleri and Ethan DaPonte had opportunities for CUA, but Fleri’s shot was wide and DaPonte’s was saved.

In the second half the shots continued to come for both teams and at the 50:09 mark Fernandez took a feed from Brennan and put CUA in front 1-0.

Brennan had another chance four minutes later, but his attempt was high.

With less than 20 minutes to play, McDaniel’s Mike McClain looked to tie the score, but McGrory sent his shot back to keep the shutout intact.

Brennan then put this one away when he scored off a feed from Alex Sagastume at the 85:49 to put the final margin at 2-0.

CUA finished with an 18-15 advantage in shots and the Cardinals were awarded the lone corner kick of the night.

McGrory stopped seven shots in goal for the victors, while Best sent back eight shots for the Green Terror.

The Cardinals will return to action on Saturday when they host Juniata in a Landmark Conference showdown at CUA Soccer Field.  The match will begin at 1 p.m. and be followed by the women’s match vs. Juniata at 3:30.