The JC men’s varsity soccer team (1-5, 1-4) fell to MIAA powerhouse MCDonough (10-1, 5-0) 5-0 at JC.  McDonough, ranked number one  in the state, showcased their skill throughout the contest. In the beginning, JC came out flying. Energy all around the field helped limit the opportunities of the perennial powerhouse.

In the 20^th minute, a foul was committed 30 yards away from the goal. McDonough senior Malcolm Harris fired a low shot into the far post, giving McDonough a 1-0 lead. JC rebounded, but was left with ten men after junior Danny Beil received a straight red card for a strong tackle.

Once again, McDonough took advantage of the situation. A cross from Julian Griggs provided senior Kyle DeVinney with an open net to slot the ball through in the 39^th minute.  DeVinney appeared offsides, but the linesman kept his flag down.

In the second half, McDonough wasted no time extending their lead. Senior captain Ryan Kennedy scored from close range in the 41^st minute, followed immediately by a Mike Gamble strike in the 44^th minute. In the 50^th minute, DeVinney finished off the scoring by converting a rebound, making it 5-0.

The action was far from over, however. In the 75^th minute, JC senior captain Nick Clarke received a straight red card, for what looked to be like accidental contact with a player on the ground. The red cards entail a suspension for the next game and for him, it’sThursday against Calvert Hall at JC.

“The game was encouraging for us on a number of different levels. It was the first time since the Spalding game where all 11 players on the field were committed to doing the simple things that allow us to compete in the game.  The first half was a great example of the type of soccer we can play if we are all on the same page,” soccer coach Jim Fendryk said.

“It was a tough game,” junior forward Vince Perry said. “We may have lost, but we have to take what we can from today and focus on Calvert Hall.”

JC is back in action Thursday against Calvert Hall, who is coming off from a goalless draw with Gilman.

Henry Shepard can be reached for comment at [email protected].