There are options for all kind of sports fans at The Catholic University of America this weekend.
The football, men's and women's soccer, and field hockey teams open their seasons at Cardinal Stadium or Carlini Field for must-see contests. New athletic director Kevin Robinson Jr. says the community can be proud of their student athletes.
"First and foremost, you’re going to see a high level of competitiveness," Robinson said. "It’s going to be done the right way - with humility. I want our fans to see our students represent the values of Catholic University, the values of humility, integrity, courage, and justice."
Get a breakdown of the weekend's home action below.
Men's Soccer
The University's men’s soccer team will open its 2023 campaign on Friday at 4 p.m. on Carlini Field. Following the program’s first-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament last year, the Cardinals are the unanimous favorite to win the Landmark Conference, according to the preseason coaches poll. Second-leading goal-scorer Gordie Bernlohr and top assist-man Domenico Caltabiano are among a large contingent of returners while Catholic welcomes a strong class of newcomers as well.
Football
Catholic football will kick off the 2023 campaign on Friday at 7 p.m. as the McDaniel Green Terror visit Cardinal Stadium for a non-conference matchup.
The team is playing under the lights for the first time since 2014. Catholic Athletics has asked all fans to wear black at the game. The Cardinals have won seven of the last 10 meetings against McDaniel dating back to 2011, including a 37-27 victory last season. The first 150 students in attendance will receive a free t-shirt.
Get more information on the football team's page.
The Cardinals, the No. 16 team in the country, will welcome the Falcons during day two of the Turk Emekli Classic Tournament for a top-25 battle. Messiah, ranked No. 12, was one of just two DIII teams last season to not lose a match (20-0-2) and return a significant amount of experienced players.
Field Hockey
After winning the Landmark Conference Championship on Cardinal Stadium last fall, the Catholic University field hockey team returns home on Sunday to host a top-five opponent at noon. Last year’s national semifinalist Rowan will challenge coach Rachel Palumbo’s Cardinals team, which has eight starters back. Stand-out goalkeeper Abigail Kearney, Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year Mary Rojack, Kellie Caputo, Mary Parker, and first-team all-Landmark forward Niki Micciche all return.
Women's Soccer
The women’s soccer team will open its home schedule on Sunday at 4 p.m. on Carlini Field against Alvernia. The Cardinals graduated just three seniors and return 26 total players, including nine starters from last year. All-Landmark selection Jordan Siok leads the line and stand-out goalkeeper Ava Rieger will be key.
For any Catholic home sporting event that you are unable to attend, follow along all season via FloSports. The Landmark Conference and FloSports entered into the first agreement between the streamer and a Division III conference earlier this summer. For more information and to receive the best pricing possible to follow along with the Cardinals, follow the subscription instructions.
