HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Catholic's student-athletes secured a 1-0 victory over Juniata on Tuesday, improving to 11-0-6 with an early second-half goal that proved decisive in the Landmark Conference matchup. Donik Elshani scored just 45 seconds into the second half, assisted by Carson Shamoo, giving the visiting Cardinals the only goal they would need against the Eagles' determined defensive effort.
The first half remained scoreless despite Catholic's offensive pressure. Goalkeeper Maxwell Mattioni made two saves for Juniata, denying Holden Woodings in the 15th minute and Christian Backich in the 16th. Catholic's Seth Michalak and Graham Leary also tested Mattioni with blocked shots, while Juniata countered with efforts from Jacob Haynes and Brandon Marzula that went wide.
Catholic's breakthrough came immediately after halftime when Elshani capitalized on Shamoo's setup to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. The goal energized Catholic's attack, with multiple shot attempts following in quick succession, though Mattioni's continued strong play kept Juniata within striking distance throughout the second half.
Juniata (7-5-7) mounted sustained pressure in the final 30 minutes, generating multiple scoring chances. Goalkeeper Owen Allegro made five saves to preserve Catholic's advantage, including crucial stops on Ahmad Sajad in the 71st minute and Liam Kolbay in the 73rd minute. Jayden Gaynor's late header sailed wide in the 85th minute, an