Saints fall in tight contest against perennial powerhouse PIZM

Saturday afternoon, the St. Peter boys soccer team opened its fall season by hosting the defending class A state runner-up and section powerhouse Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa Wildcats. Despite the pedigree of the Wildcats though, strong defensive play headlined by an impressive game in goal from Eli Stoll left the contest tied 0-0 entering the final five minutes.

It would prove to be a redirected free kick with just over two and a half minutes remaining that would prove to be the difference-maker as the PIZM squad eventually got the look they were aiming for all afternoon.

While the majority of the game was played in the middle of the field, the Saints managed several nice runs that led to decent shot opportunities, but the Wildcats strength continued to be their counterattack as several good looks from St. Peter led to equally good looks for PIZM.

Despite that, Stoll played an excellent match in net for the Saints, proving unable to only make the one save on a shot he never had a chance to stop late.

As a result, St. Peter opened the season with a record of 0-1.

After traveling to Worthington Tuesday night, the Saints are scheduled to host Marshall Thursday, Aug. 29, in a Big South Conference showdown. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.