Men's Soccer Game Preview: Harford Community College

After a three-game home stand to begin the season, the CCBC Catonsville Cardinals are on the road to close out the month of August. Awaiting them is a tough Harford team looking to prove themselves in Region 20. It’s sure to be an exciting contest, so here is everything you need to know before today’s match!

Opponent: Harford Community College Fighting Owls

Location: Harford Stadium, Bel Air, Maryland

Time: 5:00 PM

Records: Catonsville - 1-2, Howard - 1-0-1

Scouting Report: Led by head coach Bill Wardle, the Fighting Owls are one of five Region 20 teams yet to lose in 2023. The Owls tied Anne Arundel on opening day but rebounded with a clutch win over Carroll one week later. All five goals scored this season have come from different players, though freshman forward Rex Pearce has been the x-factor for the Harford offense. Pearce has nine shots this year, four of them coming on goal. His game-winner against Carroll makes him a crucial focus for the Cardinals' defense.

Speaking of the Cardinals, their young defense has a good claim for one of the best in the region. The Cardinals have yet to surrender a first-half goal in 2023, a massive improvement from last season. In their first three games, the Cardinals have only allowed three total goals against some of the best offenses in Region 20. Freshman goalie Franklin Duarte (Meade) has blocked two penalty kicks and made 16 saves. Offensively, the Cardinals have seen improvement from freshman midfielder Aziz Moty (Sherwood) and freshman forward Bradley Ramirez (Newtown), with six and five shots respectively. The Cardinals offense will need to connect on more shots if they want to break their two-game losing streak.

Last Meeting: Harford defeated Catonsville 6-0 last season during the Cardinals’ home opener.