Box Score
WHEELING, W.Va. -- The Notre Dame College men's soccer team earned its second consecutive Mountain East Conference victory on Wednesday evening, defeating the host Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals by a final score of 4-0. Leonardo Paiva scored three goals in the game, leading the Falcons to victory over the Cardinals.

After being named the most recent MEC Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week this Monday, Paiva continued his hot streak with his second consecutive hat trick. The junior scored in the 17th, 31st and 63rd minutes to tally three goals on the day for NDC.

Paiva has now totaled 10 goals in six games played this season, including at least one goal scored in each game.

In a battle between two teams fighting for positioning in the MEC standings, the Falcons took control of the game early.

Following a Cardinals foul in the 17th minute, NDC was awarded a penalty kick and it was Paiva who converted the attempt, giving the visiting Falcons an early 1-0 lead.

Over the ensuing minutes, Paiva and Arthur Favero ripped shot attempts at the WJU goalkeeper to keep pressure on the Cardinals defense. Sure enough, the Falcons' offensive pressure turned into yet another scoring opportunity.

In the 31st minute, Mats Jota dished a pass from the left wing to the left front of the box, creating an opening for Paiva who scored his second goal of the game to extend NDC's lead to 2-0.

Just a few minutes later, Jota displayed more passing ability as he picked up his second assist of the game as he found Lucas Silva Zanolla for another goal, giving the Falcons a 3-0 lead in the 36th minute.

At halftime, the Falcons held their steady 3-0 advantage, but continued to look for scoring opportunities in the second half.

NDC added one insurance goal in the second half, again coming off the foot of Paiva. Paiva's 63rd minute goal was his third of the game, marking the second straight game in which he's scored three goals.

The goal also pushed NDC's lead to 4-0, and the Falcons maintained their four-goal advantage from there, winning by a final score of 4-0.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 3-3 overall, including a 3-1 mark in MEC play.

NDC will return to action this Sunday, Sept. 25 at home against Charleston in a battle of familiar MEC foes. Game time is scheduled for 4 pm at Mueller Field.