WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of Scranton’s nationally ranked men’s soccer team saw its unbeaten run to start the season come to an end with a 1-0 loss at Catholic University on Saturday afternoon.

The Cardinals (11-5, 5-1 Landmark Conference) scored in the 48th minute on a penalty kick by junior defender Kevin Romano (Freehold, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy).

The loss drops Scranton to 11-1-2 overall and 5-1 in the Landmark Conference. The Royals are now in a three-way tie with Catholic and Susquehanna for first place with one game remaining. Scranton’s final conference game is Saturday, Oct. 27, at home against Juniata.

The defeat ended Scranton’s 13-game unbeaten run, the third-longest unbeaten streak to open a season in school history. The Royals opened 1986 by going 17-0, then went 20-0 a year later.

Freshman goalie Josh Ryan (Dallas, Pa./Scranton Preparatory) made six saves, including one on a second Catholic penalty kick, while making his second career start. Senior midfielder Matthew Salvatore (Howell, N.J./Howell) had a team-high four shots for the Royals, who are ranked No. 19 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America top 25 poll.

Scranton held a 15-9 advantage in shots, including 10-2 in the second half. But Catholic sophomore goalie Torsten Meuschke (Gaithersburg, Md./Magruder) made seven saves.

The Royals also held the advantage in corner kicks, 4-3.

Scranton returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 24, when they travel to Edwardsville, Pa. to take on Wilkes University at 7 p.m.

--ROYALS--