MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University men's soccer team certainly has had a flair for the dramatic of late.
 
The Cardinals entered their conference-opening showdown against Augsburg having posted back-to-back 2-1 victories — both times scoring the game-winning goals in the waning minutes of the second half.
 
Unfortunately, there would be no third straight come-from-behind victory, as Augsburg erupted for three goals — including a back-breaking tally just 15 seconds into the second half — as the Auggies dealt Saint Mary's a 3-1 setback in SMU's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener at Edor Nelson Field.
 
The Auggies — who entered the game having outscored its last two opponents 15-1 — struck early when Kebba Janneh netted his team-leading seventh goal of the season, beating SMU goalkeeper Daniel Sessler (Brookfield, Ill.) just 11:58 into the opening half.
 
Augsburg extended its lead to 2-0 on a goal by Jakob Mohrlok in the 32nd minute, and Janneh netted his second of the afternoon on a penalty kick just 15 seconds into the second half to give the Auggies a three-goal cushion.
 
Jack Hurley (Homewood, Ill.) converted a penalty kick — his second PK goal of the season — in the 82nd minute, but that would be the only shot the Cardinals would get past Augsburg goalkeeper Oscar Herrera.
 
Augsburg held a 15-10 edge in shots attempted, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Sessler finished with six saves for the Cardinals, while Herrera stopped two of SMU's three shots oni goal.
 
The Cardinals (0-1-0 MIAC, 3-2-1 overall) are now off until next weekend. SMU will welcome Saint John's to Ochrymowycz Field for a 1 p.m. conference matchup, before returning to their home turf on Sunday for a 2 p.m. nonconference game against Nebraska Wesleyan.
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