Soccer No. 3 Loyola Blakefield ends No. 2 Calvert Hall’s 34-game losing streak with an emphatic 3-0 victory

It’s been a while since Calvert Hall football lost a game, and even longer since the team fell on its home field.

Everyone visiting Loyola Blakefield knew that its senior class had never beaten the two-time defending Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference champions, something the surging Dons were determined to change on Tuesday.

They did so with full determination.

Taking over the game from the start and never letting up, Loyola Blakefield got first-half goals from Diego Marin-Jarve and Dan Klink, while senior Gavin Carmichael led an organized defensive performance, leading the No. 3 Dons to a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals No. 2.

Loyola improves to 4-0-1 under first-year coach Mike Marchiano, with its first loss to No. 2 Calvert Hall since Oct. 31, 2021.

After losing to Gilman 1-0, the Cardinals improved to a 32-0-2 record, including a 24-0-1 mark last season that ended with their second straight league title. Their last home defeat came on November 4, 2020, during the shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was a 3-2 loss to Mount Saint Joseph.

Carmichael, a four-year varsity player whose composure in the midfield helped dictate play Tuesday, savored the victory over his rival.

“My first time. I’ve been in the team for four years now, so it’s an electric feeling and I really like it,” he said. “I think it’s an important step towards a great season. We’re undefeated so far and we hope to keep it that way.” next”.

After the Cardinals (1-1-1) had their first good chance in the third minute of the game – a clean shot from Mason Wakefield 16 yards out from the right post – the Dons took control of the game.

A Cardinals turnover on third down gave Marin-Jarve a chance, which he converted from 16 yards out for a 1-0 lead with 22:14 left in the first half. With 3:47 before the break, Cal Lackner sent the ball from midfield to Klink, who gave the Dons an unchallenged 2-0 advantage.

The junior forward midfielder, who has proven to be a constant threat, said the team’s focus was evident in Monday’s training as well as in the pre-match warm-up. It turned into the Dons’ most complete effort of the season.

“It was it was a group effort and I thought the guys did well, so we’re very excited to go out today and beat our rivals,” he said. “Cal put me through a lot [on the goal]. I couldn’t have asked for a better pass, a better teammate, which helped us get to the finish line.

After Calvert Hall graduated arguably the best senior class in the storied program’s history, some adjustment time was expected this season. Two of the Cardinals’ best and most experienced players – linebacker Rocco Pastore and defenseman Dylan Isaac – will also be sidelined due to injuries.

The hosts tried to attack midway through the second half, still trailing by two goals, but the Dons coped with the pressure. With 14:27 left, Konstantinos Karais found space on the right wing, but Carmichael managed to slip through just in time and deflect his shot from outside the penalty area.

Mason Cook headed home a corner kick by Kaden Onolaja with 5:49 left for a 3-0 Dons lead.

“First, props to Loyola. They played very well today, showed their experience and moved the ball well,” said Calvert Hall coach Rich Zinkand. “We have two key injuries in Rocco and Dylan, and we also have some players who have never played much in games of this caliber before. So they try to find support, try to feel comfortable. I think we’ll be fine. It will take time to gain this experience.”

Marchiano, a former McDonogh and Maryland star who gained coaching experience at the college level before taking over at Loyola, learns more about his Dons each time.

So far, things are so good that they are at the top of the league table.

“I was told this within the last 24 hours [the senior class had never beaten Calvert Hall]. So for many, this is the first time, but hopefully not the last,” he said. “It’s only one game – three points – and we have huge respect for Calvert Hall. Our results are good and I hope that our team can continue to raise its level.

Both teams return to league play on Thursday afternoon. Calvert Hall will travel to No. 1 John Carroll at 3:30 p.m. for a rematch of last year’s championship game, and Loyola will host Mount Saint Joseph at 4 p.m.

Goals: LB – Marin-Jarve, Klink, Cook.

Assists: LB – Lackner, Onolaja.

Saves: LB – Mattingly 4; CH – Room 7.

Half: LB, 2-0