Box Score in HTML Format

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- Locked in a thrilling 1-1 tie with less than ten minutes to go, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team picked up a penalty kick goal from senior leader Jimmy Grace to sting 16th-ranked Mary Washington in Capital Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon, 2-1. The Captains earned a first-round bye in the coming CAC Tournament with the win, improving to 12-2-1 overall and 7-0-1 in league action. 

The nationally-ranked Eagles fall to 11-4-1, 6-2-0 with the setback, dropping their second consecutive CAC matchup. With the win, the Captains have locked up one of the top two seeds in the 2017 CAC Tournament and will host a semifinal matchup on November 1. 

The hotly contested matchup was even across the board for most of the game. CNU managed nine total shots, including four on-goal, while the Eagles added nine shots with three on frame. Both teams picked up a pair of saves and there were only three corner kicks as the defensive units combined to limit opportunities for both sides. 

The first goal would come in the 20th minute of action when junior midfielder Daniel Zeitoun rebounded a hard shot by Davis Pillow and returned fire with a second attempt. The shot slammed into the back of the net and CNU took a 1-0 lead just 19:13 into the match. 

The Captains would carry that lead through halftime before the home team equalized just under five minutes into the second half. Off a free kick taken by Gary Foley, Mary Washington got on the board with a header goal by Jeremy Hokenson. 

CNU looked primed to take the lead in the 73rd minute on a beautiful combination play to set up a close shot. James Lee started the action with a pretty pass up the right side for Zachary Ballard. The outside midfielder sprinted down the field before slipping a cross into the middle of the box for sophomore Jordan Boone's one-time attempt, but it was powered high of the goal. 

Just a few minutes later, a foul in the box gave the Captains a chance from the penalty kick spot. WIth the game on the line and an opportunity to pick up a pivotal conference win over a ranked opponent, the Captains turned to senior leader Jimmy Grace for the attempt. He made it count, and put the Captains ahead, 2-1, which would hold up as the final score. 

Christopher Newport will close out the regular season on the road Wednesday, October 25 as they take on Marymount University with a chance to lock up the regular season conference crown. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm against the Saints.