SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 18 ranked Salisbury University men's soccer team notched a pivotal 3-0 Capital Athletic Conference victory over the University of Mary Washington on a windy Saturday afternoon at the SU Soccer Complex. The game was part of the University's Homecoming festivities.

With the shutout victory, the Sea Gulls (12-1-3, 6-1 CAC) have now recorded 10 shutout victories this season.

The first half featured both teams trying to find a style that would compliment the howling winds that played over the SU Soccer Complex. The Sea Gulls had a dangerous opportunity in the 32nd minute off of a corner kick as senior defender Casey Rector's header shot was blocked by a Mary Washington (7-4-2, 2-2-1 CAC) defender. Sophomore midfielder Jimmy Mundy collected the deflection and pushed a shot to the bottom left-corner of the goal, which a UMW defender cleared off the line to keep the game scoreless. At the half, SU held an 8-3 shots advantage and had three corner kicks compared to none for UMW.

The Sea Gulls entered the second stanza determined to find the back of the net and created several quality scoring chances off the whistle. SU broke through in the 56th minute, as sophomore midfieler Pat Callahan sent a ball onto the on-rushing foot of junior forward Stafford Chipungu. Chipungu sped past the UMW backline and put a shot on frame that deflected off the goalkeeper and into the net. Just five minutes later, SU senior forward Mike Napolitano collected a ball and turned into the 18-yard box before being fouled and earning a penalty-kick. The Ellicott City, Md., native converted the penalty kick for his team leading eighth goal of the season.

Salisbury rounded out the scoring off of a free kick on the right side of the 18-yard box in the 83rd minute. Callahan slotted a pass towards the end line that senior defender Justin Lambert crossed to the back post, which junior forward Ian Wilson headed into the top right corner of the goal for his fourth tally of the season. For the match, the Sea Gulls held a 19-4 shots advantage and earned seven corner kicks compared to just two for the Eagles.

Sophomore goalkeeper John Vnenchak notched his sixth win of the season as he picked up one save for SU. Mary Washington's Hunter Wooten finished with six saves.

The Sea Gulls will have ample time to rest up for their next match, as it is a pivotal match that will have ramifications on the upcoming CAC tournament (Oct. 31 – Nov. 6). Salisbury will meet York (Pa.) College next Saturday at 2 p.m. at the SU Soccer Complex. The winner of that match will have the upper-hand in gaining home-field advantage for the CAC tournament. The Spartans currently stand at 5-0 in the CAC, with three CAC games remaining.