Game Summary

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University women's soccer team has turned a lot of heads with its perfect start to the 2005 season.

Add to that the fact that the Cardinals — thanks in part to Saturday's 1-0 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference triumph over Carleton — have given up just one goal in its first six games, and it's no wonder SMU has surprised a lot of people with its 6-0-0 start.

Cardinals' coach Tony Guinn, however, isn't one of them.

"I don't want to sound cocky, but I knew this team had the potential to be very good," said Guinn. "The players I've brought in are good soccer players — and they give us the depth that not many people can match. We can go 18, 19 players deep and not miss a beat — there aren't many teams around that can do that."

There aren't many teams around that can score on the Cardinals, either.

SMU goalkeeper Jennifer Johnson (Racine, Wis.) posted her fourth shutout of the season Saturday, stopping all five Carleton shots in helping guide SMU to its third straight 1-0 victory.

"We've played great defense all season," said Guinn, whose team ran its shutout string to more than 420:00 minutes — dating back to a first-half goal against Marian in their second game of the season. "We've got one of the best goalkeepers in (NCAA) Division III in Jen Johnson, and our defenders in front of her are top-notch."

And with Johnson & Co. doing their part, it was just a matter of time before the Cardinals would get on the board against the Knights, as Abbey D'Acquisto (Racine, Wis.) converted on a penalty kick with less than 17 minutes remaining in regulation to give SMU its fourth 1-0 win of the season.

"We're winning the close games this year — we may not be lighting up the scoreboard, but we're doing whatever it takes to win," said Guinn. "Abbey really came through for us. Talk about a pressure situation — 17 minutes left in a 0-0 game. Make the PK and you're the hero, miss it and it's a long, sleepless night … . Abbey made a great shot and that's all we needed.

"I think we've impressed a lot of people with the way we are playing," continued Guinn, whose team returns to action Sunday, traveling to Wisconsin Lutheran for a nonconference game. "This team has worked hard to get where they are at — they've got that swagger about them, and they aren't about to let up."