Catholic University Triumphs In Inaugural Pope’s Cup Soccer Match

From left to right: Dr Becerra, President of Marymount University, Bishop Burbidge, John Garvey, President of Catholic University

Written by: Nicolas Stromberg
Photography by: Courtesy: Nicholas Munson and Sofi Plotkin

This spirited competition between the two rival Catholic institutions aims to strengthen the bond between the universities, students, and alumni, with the potential to become a long-standing tradition, university officials said. The Pope’s Cup may encourage other Catholic institutions to engage in similar competitions, fostering connections within the broader Catholic community. 

Catholic University won with 8.5 to 2.5 points over Marymount, on Mars 23. The event’s focus on Catholic identity and the celebration of shared values distinguishes it from other sports events and matches. 

Ana Schneider Jerez, assistant coach for Marymount Tennis and a Business MBA student at Marymount, said the Pope Cup is a great way to promote sportsmanship and unity among Catholic institutions while celebrating shared values and identity.

Soliana Hailemichael, a senior at Marymount University majoring in Cybersecurity, said she was less familiar with the Pope’s Cup but voiced her support for the concept. Hailemichael said she believes that the event encourages sportsmanship and collaboration between Catholic institutions and suggested that the Pope’s Cup could involve more sports or other activities to include more students.

Noah Hill, a junior at Marymount University and a lacrosse player, also praised the Pope’s Cup as a smart idea, noting similar events often turn out to be successful and enjoyable. Hill said the Pope’s Cup could expand to include more sports, such as lacrosse, to involve a wider range of students and strengthen the bonds between the institutions.

Lorena Gonzalez, a senior at Marymount University, said the Pope’s Cup is an excellent initiative that encourages sportsmanship, unity, and camaraderie between Catholic institutions. Gonzalez said additional events for students and faculty from both universities could be created to forge even stronger connections. The inaugural Pope’s Cup attracted a significant audience from both universities.

POPE’S CUP RESULTS

• Men’s Soccer – CUA def. MU, 4-1 (9/5/21)
• Women’s Volleyball – MU def. CUA, 3-2 (9/6/21)
• Women’s Soccer – CUA def. MU, 5-1 (10/6/21)
• Women’s Cross Country – CUA (8th) def. MU (21st) at NCAA South Region Championships (11/13/21)
• Men’s Cross Country – CUA (9th) def. MU (23rd) at NCAA South Region Championships (11/13/21)
• Women’s Basketball – CUA def. MU, 65-53 (11/20/21)
• Men’s Basketball – MU def. CUA, 74-69 (12/1/21)
• Baseball – CUA def. MU, 10-6 (3/5/22)
• Men’s Golf – CUA (2nd) def. MU (7th) at Cardinal Classic (3/26/22)
• Women’s Golf – CUA (4th) def. MU (7th) at Cardinal Classic (3/26/22)
• Softball – CUA def. MU, 5-2 (4/27/22)
• Softball – MU def. CUA, 4-2 (4/27/22)
• OVERALL – CUA def. MU, 8.5 – 2.5