WINONA, Minn. — A sluggish start proved costly for the Saint Mary's women's soccer team as they dropped their season opener on Saturday afternoon. Augsburg (3-4-0, 1-1-0) secured a 2-0 victory over Saint Mary's (6-1-0, 1-1-0) at Ochrymowycz Field, with both goals scored in the first half.

In the first half, Augsburg took an early lead against the Cardinals with a penalty kick goal just 46 seconds into the match. The Auggies had all the juice to start as they extended their advantage to 2-0 in the 8th minute. 

Saint Mary's responded with multiple offensive attempts, including a shot by Samantha Munson in the 16th minute that was saved by Augsburg's goalkeeper Claire Smothers. Despite three corner kicks and several shots, the Cardinals could not find the back of the net, leaving Augsburg ahead 2-0 at the end of the half.

The Cardinals and the Auggies began the second half making strategic lineup adjustments. 

Augsburg nearly opened the scoring again with a shot that struck the top woodwork in the 50th minute. Saint Mary's responded with a series of offensive efforts, including a shot by Ayshia Gay in the 60th minute that was saved by Smothers. 

Anna Peckosh provided crucial saves for Saint Mary's, denying two shots in the 69th and 71st minutes to keep her team within striking distance. 

Neither team managed to alter the 2-0 scoreline established in the first half.

Peckosh recorded four saves in goal, facing eight shots and conceding two goals during the match. Munson led the team's offensive efforts with two shots, one of which was on target. 

The Cardinals will need to shake off the loss and shift their focus to tomorrow's matchup, as they travel to Beloit College for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.