WINONA, Minn. — Nail-biters have been the norm for the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and Macalester women's soccer teams of late.
Both teams headed into Tuesday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference showdown having played three straight games decided by one goal or less.
In fact, the Cardinals had already played six games decided by one goal or less, while eight of the Scots' 11 games either ended in a tie or a one-goal decision.
And Tuesday was no different.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, it was the Scots who came away with the one-goal victory, scoring the only tally of the contest midway through the first half in handing Saint Mary's a 1-0 setback at Ochrymowycz Field.
Kara Komoto provided Macalester with all the offense it would need, scoring her second goal of the season in the game's 21
st minute, as she weaved through the Cardinal defense and feathered a shot past Saint Mary's goalkeeper
Gabriella Pederson (Chaska, Minn.) for the early 1-0 advantage.
And despite the Cardinals' gallant efforts over the game's final 45 minutes, Macalester would make the lead stand up.
Pederson finished with five saves in goal for the Cardinals, while Macalester goalkeeper Emma Toomer stopped all three Saint Mary's shots in earning the shutout.
The Cardinals (0-7-0 MIAC, 2-9-1 overall) are back in action on Saturday, traveling to Northfield, Minn., for a 1 p.m. conference matchup against St. Olaf.