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ARLINGTON, Va. -- A stifling defensive performance and a game-winning goal from that very same defense highlighted a 3-1 victory over Marymount in the regular season finale Wednesday night, as Christopher Newport men's soccer capped an unbeaten conference season and clinched the 2017 Capital Athletic Conference regular season title. The Captains (13-2-1, 8-0-1) gave up just three shots to the Saints and defender Bobby Seifert connected on the game-winning goal in the 59th minute to boost CNU to the win. 

With the win, the Captains captured their second consecutive unbeaten season in conference play, grabbing the ensuing top seed in next week's CAC Tournament. Christopher Newport will take on #4 York (Pa.) or #5 Salisbury in next Wednesday's CAC Semifinal round after the winner is determined in the first round on Saturday. 

CNU wasted little time taking a 1-0 advantage on Marymount in Wednesday night's chilly contest in Arlington. Senior Jimmy Grace connected on his 11th goal of the season in the sixth minute of action to put the Captains up, 1-0. Andrew Gogolin assisted on the goal, sliding a pass across the top of the box for Grace, who finished with a hard left-footed strike. 

The Captains offense dominated the first half, putting 12 shots on-goal and taking 19 total attempts. Equally as impressive was the back line, not allowing a single shot from the home team in the first 45 minutes. The back line of Seifert, Derek Cook, Davis Pillow, and Khari Jones locked down the opposition before they could ever test junior goalkeeper Zach Pedini. 

Early in the second half, the Saints would even the score on a goal from Mynor Danilo Lopez, off an assist from Andre Ferguson. It was one of only two shots on frame all night by the Marymount attack. 

With the game even again, CNU found the game-winning goal in the 59th minute. Taking the corner kick, Seifert delivered a perfect bending shot into the back of the net, putting the Captains ahead, 2-1. It was the first career goal for Seifert, who has started 56 games on the back line. 

CNU tacked on an insurance goal in the 62nd minute when Grace picked up his second of the contest. The defense failed to clear and Grace intercepted the pass at the top of the 18-yad box, where the senior ripped home a hard shot for his 12th goal of the year. 

Christopher Newport outshot the Saints 29-3, including a 17-2 advantage in shots on-goal. The Captains also registered 15 corner kicks to just one by the Saints. 

The CAC Tournament begins this Saturday with opening round action, and the Captains will host a CAC Semifinal Doubleheader with the women's team on Wednesday, November 1.