WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University men's soccer team surrendered a pair of goals in the game's first 16 minutes, and could not seem to find a way to slow down the high-powered offense of Augsburg, as the Auggies dealt the Cardinals a 3-0 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference setback Saturday afternoon at Ochrymowycz Field.
 
An unfortunate Saint Mary's handball in the sixth minute of the game seemed to oset the tone for the Cardinals, as Augsburg's Nick Zuchowski converted on the penalty kick, giving the Auggies an early 1-0 lead. 
 
Ten minutes later, after a fantastic diving save by SMU goalie Daniel Sessler (Brookfield, Ill.), Augsburg's Kebba Janneh swiftly recovered the loose ball and delivered it into the empty net for a quick 2-0 Auggie lead.
 
The Cardinals banded together and kept the Auggies at bay for the remainder of the half — thanks in large part to Sessler, who made nine saves in the game's opening 45 minutes.
 
Jon Lindanger (Tysvaergag, Norway) and Garrett Jackson (West Linn, Ore.) each recorded a shot on goal for the Cardinals, but were both smothered by Auggie goalkeeper Oscar Herrera. 
 
The intermission did nothing to slow the Auggies' offense, and six minutes into the second half, Augsburg had its third goal of the game, this one coming off the foot of Kobby Owu.
 
The Cardinals made a valiant team effort, with shot attempts by Jack Hurley (Homewood, Ill.), Alex Keeler (Antioch, Ill.), and Rolando Lopez (Berwyn, Ill.), but were unable to get past Herrera, ending the game 3-0.
 
With an additional three saves in the second half, Sessler matched his career-best 12 saves for a third consecutive game — and for the fourth time in his career. 
 
Jake Wing (Verona, Wis.) came in for Sessler in the 67th minute of the game, making his third collegiate appearance in goal, and stopped the lone shot he faced.
 
The Cardinals (0-4-1 MIAC, 3-6-3 overall) will travel to Northfield, Minn. to take on St. Olaf in a conference matchup on Tuesday at 4 p.m. 
 
 
 
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