Cacal's goal highlights Keelhaulers' Southern California opener at Saint Katherine

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Junior Quinton Cacal lit up the scoreboard for Cal Maritime in the 37th minute of Friday morning's non-conference match at Saint Katherine, which provided the Keelhaulers with the perfect response to a Firebirds goal recorded 105 seconds earlier that doubled their advantage to a 2-0 margin, at that point of the game.

In addition to cutting their deficit in half before the break, Cacal's strike generated momentum for a Keelhauler squad that opened its two-match Southern California road trip at Aviara Community Park in Carlsbad, California.

Of Cal Maritime's eight shots and five shots on goal, Cacal posted a team-high two apiece; one of teammate Ronald Squier's two shots also took place on goal.

Even though Cal Maritime's tried to record the equalizer once play resumed in the second half with its aggressive, yet strategic play, the Firebirds scored again and extended their cushion back to a pair of goals with just over 30 minutes of action remaining.

Attempts by Squier, Frenchie Rousson and Colin Powers throughout the final 20-plus minutes nearly trimmed their team's deficit on each occasion, but the trio's shots were turned away as Saint Katherine withstood Cal Maritime's late charge to secure a 3-1 victory.

The Keelhaulers will continue their weekend road trip through Southern California on Sunday when they square off against Westcliff, kickoff from Great Park in Irvine is slated for 11 a.m. With Friday's result, Cal Maritime will face the Warriors with a 0-4-1 overall record with Saint Katherine continuing its season at 1-9.

Even though both teams compete in the California Pacific Conference, Friday's game was a designated non-conference event since the Keelhaulers and Firebirds are members of different divisions.