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WINONA, Minn. — Home has been very sweet for the Saint Mary's University women's soccer team this season, as the Cardinals came into Tuesday night's game unbeaten in their six games at Ochrymowycz Field.

Unfortunately, SMU's game against St. Olaf ended on a sour note, as an SMU own-goal proved to be the difference, as the Oles escaped with a 2-1 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory.

The Cardinals got off to a quick start, as Kelsey Schneider (Portland, Ore.) launched an 18-yard, left-footed bullet, that found the upper left-hand corner behind the outstretched arms of St. Olaf goalkeeper Nora Forbes.

“Kelsey had a beautiful finish,” said SMU coach Eric Zimmerman. “It was off of her left foot, too. She had been due for a goal, as she's had a few shots go off the crossbar lately.”

The Oles didn't wait long to respond, however, as Catie Christoffel found the Cardinal's net off of a volley inside the goal box. The goal — off one of the Oles' eight corners — snapped the 320-minute shutout streak of SMU goalkeeper Cassie Hulett (Milwaukee, Wis.).

St. Olaf then netted the improbable game-winner, as Deanne Schmitt's cross off a free kick caromed off an SMU defender and into the Cardinals' own goal with 26 minutes remaining in regulation.

SMU threatened late, but could not net the equalizer, as the Cardinals had their three-game unbeaten streak snapped.

“Cassie continues to play well,” said Zimmerman of his junior goalkeeper, who finished with four saves against the Oles. “We just had an unfortunate goal off of a set piece. It was disappointing.”

The Cardinals, who fall to 6-6-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the MIAC, play another conference match at Hamline on Saturday. Game time is set for 11 a.m.

“We're looking forward to our next chance,” said Zimmerman. “Every game in this conference is a battle. It's tough.”