SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Cardinals completed their first MIAC game of the 2024 season in St. Paul versus St. Catherine. The Cardinals were held scoreless to fall in MIAC opener 0-1.
 
The Cardinals had played an even half with the Wildcats. The first attempt at goal for the Cardinals came at the 6^th minute after Samantha Munson tried to put away a free kick opportunity, the shot was just high.
 
Less than a minute later the Wildcats responded with a goal at the 7^th minute mark. Cardinals down by one early.
 
After the Wildcats controlled the Cardinals end for 10 minutes of play and two corner kicks later, the Cardinals had a chance from a free kick by Dakota Leonard, saved by the goalie at the 29^th minute.
 
Other than the first goal, the Cardinals attempted four shots, the same as the Wildcats, one of which found the back of the net.
 
Down one at the half.
 
McKenzie Munson made two early saves in the first few minutes of the second half which started to get the offense going.
 
Lauryn Skoruppa had back-to-back shot attempts at the 60^th minute after a well-played ball found her feet on the right of the box in both attempts, one went wide and the other was a low diving save for the keeper.
 
At the 63^rd minute, the Cardinals caught their breath after a Wildcat shot hit the top of the crossbar, the Cardinals still with a deficit of one.
 
Putting the pressure on, Lauren Fields took a good look at the 80^th minute to attempt to tie things up, the shot was saved.
 
The Cardinals battled till the end with two free kick chances to end things in a tie. Both were cleared out by the Wildcat defense.
 
The early goal was what hurt the Cardinals in the end as both teams were scoreless in the second half.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday at home against Augsburg at 1pm.