NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's soccer team's comeback attempt fell short in a 2-1 defeat at St. Olaf in the team's season opener.

The two teams went into the intermission scoreless at 0-0, but the Oles took control early in the second half.

St. Olaf opened the scoring in the 51st minute, and then added an insurance goal in the 60th minute to take a 2-0 lead.

The Knights responded and cut the deficit in half when Dan Wessel scored his first career goal in the 80th minute.

MLC continued to press, but were unable to come up with the equalizer down the stretch as the Oles held on for the win.

Both teams finished the game with six shots on goal, with Jon Pederson leading the Knights with two. Luke Meihack added two shots, including one shot on goal, while goalkeeper Gabriel Plocher stopped four of the six shots he faced in net.

The Knights fell to 0-1 to open the season, while St. Olaf improved to 1-0 with the win.

MLC will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, September 1) when it hosts Saint Mary's in the home opener. That game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m.