WINONA, Minn. - On Wednesday night, the Cardinals hosted No.3 in the nation Gustavus Adolphus College for an in-conference match up. Despite the amazing defense from the Cardinals, it wasn't enough to stop the Gusties offense, resulting in a loss for the home team.
 
Early on the Gusties took control, staying on the offensive and keeping possession with shots at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:40 minute marks respectively, Gustavus kept the pressure on.
 
The Gusties would keep the pressure on with seven more shots between the ninth and 26th minute. That would total 10 shots for the Gusties and none for the Cardinals. Goalkeeper Daniel Sessler would save three of them and the rest of the Cardinal's defense would remain stout.
 
The Cardinals would soon break through and take the ball down the field. With a chance for goal, the Gusties goalkeeper would commit a yellow card, setting up a Saint Mary's free kick. At the 27:40th minute mark, Freshman Caleb Gilbert took the shot, but the goalkeeper saved it.
 
Gustavus would soon take the momentum back with their own shot, but the Cardinals wouldn't back down. After some great defense, Saint Mary's would take control and take a shot at the 31st minute by junior Lars Bergo. It would not fall and Gustavus would quickly start their counterattack. At the 32^nd minute mark, the Gusties pressure would break through the Cardinal's wall and score, making it 1-0 for Gustavus before the half.
 
The Gusties continued their immense pressure with four more shots over the next 6 minutes. However, Sessler would continue to be outstanding, saving three of the four himself. Another shot at the 41st minute was blocked by sophomore midfielder Eh Mu.
 
With two minutes remaining in the half, the Cardinals would start showing some aggressiveness, for a late chance. Gustavus wouldn't falter and take control back as the clock would drain to zero, ending the first half 1-0 Gustavus.
 
In a stark contrast to the 2nd half, the Cardinals opened with some offensive pressure.
 
On the counter attack, Cohan Hare would take a shot at the 50^th minute but it would be saved. Continuing the back and forth of this second half, the Gusties would respond with two of their own shots. At the 53rd minute mark, Hare would take another shot but would end up missing wide.
 
With some great pressure, the Gusties goalkeeper would come out of the net and Martin Garr would capitalize taking a shot with 10 minutes to go, it would find the back of the net, tying this game up 1-1.
 
With 5:30 left to go, the Gusties would cross a pass to the middle and with a header, Gustavus would take a 2-1 lead.
 
Despite amazing pressure from the Cardinals towards the end of the game, Gustavus would hold on to the lead and win the game.
 
Garr nets his first goal of the season for the lone goal. Sessler ended with nine saves of the 11 shots on goal.
 
The men's soccer team is back in action Saturday, Oct. 5^th traveling to face Concordia College for a 3:30 p.m. start.