IMMACILATA, Pa.- After recognizing the ten graduating members of the Immaculata University men's soccer program, the Mighty Macs ousted Centenary University 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Balestriere was the source of all three goals, earning his first career hat trick.

How It Happened

• Centenary threatened early, using a corner to play a strong header just above the crossbar.
• Immaculata created their early chances in the following minutes, with Reed Lindsay, Michael Balestriere, Dylan Walter, Matthew Kirkpatrick, and Collin Hassay all finding shots.
• Immaculata got on the board in the 19th minute. Matthew Kirkpatrick launched a throw-in to Reed Lindsay, stationed on the attacking endline. Lindsay would flick the ball into the six for Michael Balestriere, who headed the ball into the right side of the net.
• The Mighty Macs looked to add to their one goal advantage, as Sean Franks, Oliver Wilkins, Matthew Kirkpatrick, Cooper McKinney sent shots toward goal.
• Centenary drew a free kick just outside the box in the 38th minute. The Cyclones used the set piece to rip a shot, one that came off the crossbar.
• In the minutes before halftime, Michael Prall and Jameson Kennedy found shots.
• The Mighty Macs outshot the Cyclones 14-3 at the half.
• Immaculata garnered chances after the break, including a pair of shots from Jonathan Olaleye that required saves from Centenary goalkeeper Kevin Mejia Velasquez.
• Centenary drew two corners and two shots shortly thereafter, but neither led to the equalizer.
• With 22 minutes remaining, Ryan Straub booted a pass back, lofting it well past midfield. Cooper McKinney pursued the ball, forcing the opposing keeper out to the penalty box to punch it away. Michael Balestriere then used two touches to line up a 25-yard drive into the back webbing and give Immaculata a two goal advantage.
• Ryan Straub made saves in the 72nd, 73rd, and 76th minute to prevent the Cyclones from cutting the Mighty Macs' 2-0 lead in half.
• With 5 minutes on the clock, Ryan Straub played a ball up the right side on the fly. Jonathan Olaleye ran onto the ball, shouldering it and carrying deep into Centenary territory. Olaleye sent a cross to Michael Balestriere, who beat the opposing goalkeeper to the ball at the six yard line and delivered his third score of the game.
• John Wilhelm assumed the final three minutes in goal, collecting a save to wrap up the 3-0 clean sheet victory.

Up Next

• The Mighty Macs will use a week's rest before playing Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York at 1pm on Saturday, October 19th.
• Immaculata returns to Draper Walsh on Wednesday, October 23rd to take on Neumann University.