HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss to NSIC affiliate St. Cloud State to complete parents' weekend at Kearly Stadium on Sunday.
"They're a good team, we knew we were going to get a battle," head coach Melissa Kuhar said. "We're a little banged up from Friday, so we didn't play our best at times, but there were some bright spots in there. But we have to learn to push the tempo and control the game on our end. Bri was huge for us and we have to keep counting on her, but she made saves when we needed her to."
St. Cloud State (1-0-1) controlled the game early as Michigan Tech (0-2) relied on goalkeeper Bri Barrows all game to make timely stops, with the first stop coming under four minutes into the contest as the road Huskies' earned a fast break with just Barrows to beat, who made an impressive save at the top of the box to keep the game scoreless.
Michigan Tech's best look at the opposing net came at the 29th minute when Brooke Green got past two defenders for a clear shot at the goal, bobbled before being corralled by the road Huskies' goalkeeper.
After multiple heroic saves by Barrows, St. Cloud State broke through in the 73rd minute when Brooke Quam delivered a through ball that Ellie Primrano received just outside of the six, making one touch before firing a shot to the right of Barrows and into the net.
From there, St. Cloud State took its time on offense, drawing out the clock, taking three shots to Michigan Tech's two shots down the stretch for their first win of the season.
In total, Barrows made seven saves while facing 17 shots as St. Cloud State poured on eight shots on goal while winning the corner kick battle 9-2. Both of the Black & Gold's corner kicks came in the second half.
Olivia Gette led the Huskies with three shots and two on target, while SCSU's Gabby Hofeld and Primerano each posted three shots and two on goal.
St. Cloud State's Jaylee Strickland made four saves, seeing six shots in her first shutout of the season.
Up Next
The Huskies remain at home next week to round out the non-conference slate, welcoming GMAC affiliates Cedarville at 6 p.m. on Thursday before facing Northwood at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
