STANFORD, Calif. — In their first exhibition match of the season, Saint Mary's battled until the end with defending-national champion Stanford, but ultimately fell 2-1 after the Cardinal converted a penalty kick in the 84th minute of play to take the lead.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Mary's struck first in the match as Jakub Svehlik capitalized on a 1-on-1 with the Stanford keeper and pushed his shot low and left to put the Gaels up in the 22nd minute. The junior finished the match with a team-high two shots as did Jake Rudel.

Saint Mary's held strong against an offensive barrage from the Cardinal as Remi Preiur and Tijs Te Duits combined for five saves against 19 total shots faced. Each Gael played 45 minutes in the match as Prieur started the first half and Te Duits completed the last half. Stanford also managed 10 corner kicks during the game compared to just one awarded to Saint Mary's.

Stanford eventually broke through in the 61st minute as Logan Panchot landed a shot towards the far left post to draw the score even. The game remained tied for the next 23 minutes of action before the Cardinal drew a call in the Gaels' penalty box and Tanner Beason finished his shot to give Stanford the eventual 2-1 win.

QUICK FACTS

• Saint Mary's took seven total shots with five landing on net.
• The Gaels committed 19 fouls during the game compared to 16 for Stanford.
• Sebastian Schacht and James Person were the two newcomers to start for SMC.
• Person and Erik Lyons led the Gaels with 84 minutes on the pitch.

UP NEXT: CAL

• The Gaels return to the field on Saturday to take on East Bay rival Cal at Edwards Stadium in Berkeley. The exhibition match is slated for a 5 p.m. kickoff. More information for the game can be found on the Gaels' schedule page.