(Ann Arbor, MI) The Cardinals returned to the pitch shortly after their double overtime thriller win over Cleary. Nine seniors were recognized for their contributions to the program on a day where the Cardinals would earn a 3-1 win over Siena Heights. Senior Anthony Tucker (SR/Canton, MI) shined in his last appearance at Cardinal Stadium, with a hat trick to give Concordia their second win in a row.
The Seniors came to play on their final home game, as Marino Moraccini (SR/Shelby Township, MI) performed well in goal, racking up six saves. Jacob Campbell (SR/Macomb, MI) and Daniel Lynch (SR/Brampton, Ontario) were both credited with assists on long balls that led to two of Tucker's goals.
The beginning of the first half was primarily spent in Concordia's attacking third as the Cardinals made runs that the Siena Heights defense struggled to stifle. The momentum shifted in the middle of the half as the Saints were able to put more pressure on Concordia, forcing several corner kicks. An uneventful first half came to a close with both sides unable to challenge the other team's goalie, keeping the score at 0-0.
Action in the second half picked up quickly as a mishap in the Siena Heights midfield sent the ball behind the Saint backline. Anthony Tucker fought his way past the defense to win the ball and send it past the keeper for the Cardinal lead.
Tucker struck again in the 61st minute to increase the Concordia lead even more. Cardinal center back Jacob Campbell connected with his fellow captain on a long ball up the right wing. Tucker ran with the ball and sent a screamer into the right upper 90 for his second goal of the day.
Siena Heights would not go down quietly, as Gustavo Barros took a rebound off of his own shot and sent it past Moraccini to avoid the clean sheet.
Tucker was not done for the day. In the 75th minute Daniel Lynch sent a 50 yard pass up the left side over the defender and to a racing Tucker who chipped it over the charging Saints' keeper for a senior day hat trick. With his three goals, Tucker became tied for 2nd in career goals in the program record books with 24.
The Cardinals will finish out their season with a pair of road matches. The first of those will be against Lourdes University on Wednesday, October 30th. Kickoff will be at 7:00 PM in Sylvania, Ohio.
