NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's soccer team dropped its season-opening game against Saint Mary's 2-0 on Thursday. 

The Knights were strong coming out of the gates, with first-year forward Joseph Graumann creating several great chances on goal, but the team was unable to finish its early chances.

The Cardinals did take advantage of their opportunities, however, scoring in the 31st minute from outside the box, and then adding the second goal in the 38th minute off a rebound in front of MLC keeper Caleb King.

MLC would keep within striking distance the rest of the way, but was unable to create the quality chances it earned to open the game.

Graumann finished the game with five total shots, including four of the team's five shots on goal. King was strong in goal for MLC, stopping 12 of the 14 shots he faced.

The Knights fell to 0-1 on the season in defeat, while SMU improved to 1-0 with the win.

MLC will return to action on Saturday, September 3, when it travels to Wisconsin Lutheran College for a two-day tournament. The Knights will play Iowa Wesleyan on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., before playing WLC on Sunday afternoon.