Cardinals Drop Third Straight Contest in Offensive Shootout

CCBC Catonsville's men's soccer team dropped their third straight game on Thursday, falling to Harford Community College by a score of 4-2.

Despite an improved performance from their offense, Catonsville's defense struggled against the Fighting Owls, allowing their opponent to score in the first half for the first time this season.

Harford struck first on a Mikel Iniesta goal seven minutes into the first half. Catonsville would immediately respond, as sophomore striker Mike Miranda (Lansdowne) scored his second goal of the season and the first Cardinal goal since opening day. The half would end with a 1-1 tie, though Harford had outshot the Cardinals.

The second half saw the Cardinals' offense go on the attack. Catonsville out-shot Harford 9-7, while adding a second goal by freshman forward Giovanni Alonso (Lansdowne). The Cardinals defense also shut down Harford's leading scorer, Rex Pearce.

While the Cardinals out-shot the Owls in the second half, Harford connected on three goals to pull away from Catonsville. The Fighting Owls would build a 3-1 lead off of goals from Kodjo Gaklo and Kian Pucher. After Alonso scored to bring the Cardinals within one, the Owls added one additional goal via Phillip Gall.

Despite the loss, the Cardinals' offense finally showed what they were capable of, tying their season high for goals. However, the defense allowed more goals than they had in the first three games. Continued improvements to the offense and defensive growth will be the keys for the Cardinals as they head into September.