WINONA, Minn. - On Wednesday afternoon, the Saint Mary's men's soccer team (0-3) faced off against Ripon (1-1-1) in their home opener on the newly installed Ochrymowicz turf, amid slightly windy conditions. In a match marked by a slower pace, the Redhawks came out on top with a 4-1 victory over the Cardinals, as both teams combined for 19 shots on goal.

Cohan Hare led the Cardinals with the lone goal, with a pretty impressive header to the back left of the pipe, scoring on two of his three shots on target. Than Soe had the assist from across the 18. Seth Konik also pressured the opposition with two shots on goal. 

Bode Jacobsen made his starting debut as a true freshman and made one save despite facing eight shots on goal.

Saint Mary's and Ripon engaged in a closely contested first half, with Ripon ultimately taking the lead. The match began with both teams exchanging fouls and corner kicks, with the Cardinals attempting to capitalize on early opportunities. 

Even after multiple attempts on goal, including Konik's shots in the 13th and 16th minute that were saved by Ripon goalkeeper Drew Seyfer, the Cardinals were unable to score. 

The Redhawks opened the scoring with a goal in the 16th minute, and despite the Cardinals continued pressure, including several corner kicks in quick succession, it was Ripon who doubled their lead with a goal in the 42nd minute. 

The first half concluded with Ripon holding a 2-0 advantage.

The second half began with Hare of the Cardinals scoring in the 51st minute, assisted by Soe, reducing the Redhawks lead to 2-1. However, Ripon quickly responded with a goal in the 53rd minute off a set piece, restoring their two-goal advantage. The Redhawks extended the lead further with a goal in the 82nd minute, bringing the score to 4-1. 

There was no answer after Hare's goal in which it seemed like the momentum switched, but injuries affected the Cardinals late.

The team returns back to the Oak on Saturday hosting the University of Dubuque for a 4:00 p.m. match.