ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Saint Mary's men's soccer team was bested by the Bethel Royals Saturday afternoon in conference action losing 3-1, each goal being scored in the second half.
 
Bethel recorded the first two strikes at goal and earned themselves a corner within the first ten minutes of play to set the tone. The Cardinals defense held strong as the Royals applied pressure on their end for twenty minutes and blocked the first three attempts on goal.
 
The Cardinals best first look on the other end came at the 25^th minute earning getting a corner kick but ended up getting cleared out by the defense. CJ Tree had back-to-back shots taken for the Cardinals first shot attempts at goal, both being saved by the keeper and Aldo Campagne just missed high off a missed clear from the Royals.
 
The Cardinals stayed on their heels the rest of the half as the Royals recorded 12 shots on goal compared to the Cardinals four, yet the Cardinals kept the Royals scoreless in the first half.
 
Looking to be the aggressor, the Cardinals started the second half on top. Martin Garr ran with Thomas Laaksonen dribbling up the middle taking on his defender one on one and led Garr forward for a tow tap in to net the first goal of the game and taking the one goal lead at the 56^th minute. Four minutes later the Royals respond with a goal of their own.
 
The Royals did not let up as they earned two more corners and shots of their own and taking the lead with 20 minutes remaining. Garr tried to respond after netting the first goal and took a good look seconds after the Royals goal that was saved.
 
With time ticking down, the Royals secured another goal to build their lead to two with five minutes remaining, shutting down the thought of a come back for the Cardinals.
 
Daniel Sessler ended with seven saves of the 10 shots on goal. Garr records second goal of season.
 
The Cardinals return to action Tuesday, Oct. 15^th hosting St. Olaf College at 7 p.m.