NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University women's soccer team's last two games have left the Cardinals and coach Nick Rizzo fit to be tied — literally.
 
SMU headed into Saturday's showdown against league-leading Carleton on the heels of back-to-back conference ties against St. Scholastica and Macalester.
 
There would be no tie this time around — Carleton made sure of that.
 
Carleton — which had allowed just seven goals in its first 16 games — continued its stinginess in the goals allowed category against the Cardinals, limiting SMU to just one shot on goal in dealing Saint Mary's a 3-0 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference setback at Bell Field.
 
The Knights' waiting until the waning seconds of the first half — literally — in grabbing a 1-0 lead at the break. Kathryn Kresse sound the back of the net with just 28 seconds to play until the break, giving Carleton all the offense it would need.
 
Carleton tacked on a pair of goals 10 minutes apart early in the second half — the first by Saheli Patel and the second by Lauren Caldwell — to extend its lead to 3-0.
 
Saint Mary's struggled to find its offensive rhythm, managing just two shot attempts, including one that was on goal. Carleton, meanwhile, delivered 20 shots, including nine on goal — three of which found the back of the net.
 
The Cardinals (2-6-2 MIAC, 7-7-3 overall) are back in action next Saturday, when they close out their regular-season schedule with a 3:30 p.m. matchup against Hamline at Ochrymowycz Field.
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