Cardinals Survive Challenge, Stay Perfect in Landmark

Lais Sets Up Winer's Goal with Perfectly Placed Corner Kick

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher wouldn't even throw in the towel down 2-0 to Catholic with less than 10 minutes left to play tonight. In fact, when Brandon Weiner (Derwood, Md./Col. Zadok A. Magruder) scored at 83:33 to make it a one-goal game, the Gophers' level of intensity seemed to rise even a few levels higher.

Unfortunately, head coach Bryan Laut's squad would get no closer. Time expired for the Gophers in their final home game of the season before they could produce another goal as the Cardinals, who entered the game in sole possession of first place in the Landmark Conference, survived the challenge and came away with a 2-1 victory.

Mike Brennan's team-leading ninth goal of the season just 6:06 into the contest staked Catholic to a quick 1-0 lead and that's how the score remained until a goal by Ben Fleri at 73:25 put the Cardinals (11-3, 5-0 Landmark) up 2-0.

The Gophers (5-9-1, 2-4 Landmark) were awarded only one corner kick the entire second half, but they took full advantage of the opportunity to get on the scoreboard. Elijah Lais (Grantsville, Md./Northern Garrett) delivered a perfectly placed ball that Weiner was able to head past the keeper.

The Cardinals, who clinched a spot in the conference's postseason tournament with the win, finished with a 16-5 edge in shots.