WINONA, Minn. – It's difficult to climb out of an early hole, but Edgewood College was facing such a task in their season opener against St. Mary's University. The Cardinals scored three first half goals before the Eagles attempted to mount a second half comeback. Edgewood College outshot St. Mary's 13-11 but ultimately fell to the Cardinals 3-2 at Ochrymowycz Field.

Edgewood College (0-1) came out firing with two shots in the first 10 minutes by forward Paul Domann. However, St. Mary's University (1-0) took advantage of an early opportunity as Jordan Sinkfield netted a goal in the 13th minute of the game.

St. Mary's added to their lead eight minutes later on a goal by Midhat Mujic to put the Cardinals up 2-0. Head coach Tim Alexander went to his bench early to try and turn the tide of the game. The strategy seemed to have worked because only four minutes after he was subbed in, sophomore Thini Messan found the back of the net on an assist from Sam Quinones to bring the Eagles within one.  However, St. Mary's immediately responded. Merely 26 seconds passed before Edgewood College found themselves down by two goals yet again on Mujic's second goal of the game.

Edgewood College actually led the shot total at halftime seven to five, but was not able to cash in on the opportunities they had.

Again, a well-timed substitution seemed to be the key for the Eagles in the second half. Andrew Aurit was placed in the game in the 59th minute and was able to score unassisted to keep Edgewood College in the game.  Although this goal brought the Eagles within one, this was as close as they would be able to get.  Edgewood College scrambled to find the equalizing goal with three shots on goal in the final five minutes, but was unable to net any of their final attempts.

Sophomore Matt Dammen spent all 90 minutes in the net, collecting three saves while St. Mary's Donte Gillespie and Christian Van Dam each played a half and collected three saves apiece.

The Eagles will return home to Breese Stevens Field on Sunday, September 2 for their home opener against St. Norbert College. Edgewood College will provide live video and live stats for the 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Those links can be found on EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com.