Evan Weber
Sports Editor
The Franciscan Barons secured a commanding 4-0 victory over the Washington & Jefferson Presidents Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. at Trinity Field.
The Barons, playing at home, took a commanding lead after a sluggish start, improving their position in the PAC standings. The win brought Franciscan to 7 PAC points, keeping them in first place, though upcoming games could shift that position.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, the Barons struggled to convert their control into scoring chances. Junior forward Lucas Cross voiced his frustration late in the half, urging his teammates to step up. His leadership paid off when he broke the deadlock with a late goal, energizing the team as they headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw a reinvigorated Franciscan squad. They maintained control while becoming more aggressive in their attacks. Sophomore forward Aidan Mahoney was a key substitute by netting his third goal of the season to extend the Barons’ lead.
By the end of the match, Franciscan had sealed their sixth shutout of the year, looking more like the team that has dominated the conference in recent seasons.
The Barons will face Westminster College next, traveling for a Friday night match Oct. 4. The result could play a pivotal role in their standing as the PAC season heats up.