Game 3: Eastern v. Cabrini

ST. DAVIDS, Pa.—Eastern Men’s Soccer claimed victory in the Battle of Eagle Road for the third year in a row, topping neighboring Cabrini College 3-1 Sunday afternoon.

Senior Ben Barnhart scored twice in the win, providing the difference in this derby match for the second year in a row. Barnhart scored a well-placed free kick in the first half and after a double assist in the second half.

Eagles' senior forward Eric Giovagnoli was instrumental in all three of Eastern’s goals. He put Eastern on the board in the 18th minute with a penalty kick. He also drew the foul that set up Barnhart’s first goal and picked up an assist on Barnhart’s second goal.

Giovagnoli said that just like every other game on a team’s schedule, getting a win is a big deal, but that beating your across-the-road rivals is a really good experience.

Eastern senior goalkeeper Nick Policastro had yet to start in a game against Cabrini, but he rose to the occasion on Sunday. Policastro made a crucial save in the fourth minute minute, blocking a point-blank shot by an unmarked Cavalier, Rey Jimenez. “I’ve been waiting three years for this game,” Policastro said. “It’s just a great feeling to beat them. I think the guys did a great job bringing the effort and just staying physical with these guys in a tough game.”

Thanks to Policastro’s save, the game stayed knotted at 0-0 until Giovagnoli drew a foul in the box in the 18th minute. He took the resulting penalty kick and pushed the ball through the right side while the goalie guessed the other way.

Cabrini then created a few opportunities but failed to connect on a cross to the back post in the 15th minute and then had a header hit off the post in the 27th minute.

Barnhart scored his first goal in the 32nd minute. After Giovagnoli drew a foul just outside and to the left of the penalty area, Barnhart lined up to take the free kick and slotted a low ball around a two-man wall that hooked into the goal. The goal was remarkably similar to a goal Austin Stover scored last year at homecoming {video}.

The Eagles stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 54th minute. After a quick restart, Eric Giovagnoli megged his defender, dribbled into the box, crossed a ball to freshman Andrew Ferman who found the right foot of Barnhart for the finish.

Cabrini got a goal back in the 76th minute on a free kick, but the Cavs were unable to put a shot on goal the rest of the game.

Sunday’s game actually started on Saturday afternoon, but the game was called and reset after the arrival of inclement weather. Giovagnoli thanked the Eastern fans for returning to fill the hill for a second day in the row.

Eastern challenges Rutgers-Camden on the road on Wednesday. Cabrini upset Rutgers-Camden earlier this