ST. PAUL, Minn.- The University of Sioux Falls soccer squad took on their first ranked opponent of the 2019 season in No. 22 Concordia-St. Paul. The Cougars were able to keep the pressure on the Golden Bears, despite falling 3-1 o the Golden Bears on Friday.

Freshman Grace Held had the sole goal for the Cougars. Senior McKayla Philippi recorded the assist on the goal. Sophomore Aundria Vargas led the team with three shots, one of which were on goal. Freshman Alexis Wemhoff recorded 11 saves on the night. The Golden Bears outshot the Cougars 24-to-5 (15-to-3 shots on goal).

The Cougars will face their second opponent that is receiving votes to be in the Top 25 in a descending Minnesota State Mavericks squad in Mankato, Minn., on Sunday.

The game started off slow, with neither team getting a goal until the 12th minute when the Golden Bears connected with the net for a 1-0 lead. The Golden Bears were able to add to their lead in the 24th minute to extend their lead to two.

The Cougars were able to cut the lead in half in the 44th minute when Philippi fed the ball to Held who got the ball to get in.

The Golden Bears were able to answer with an insurance goal in the 58th minute to their eventual 3-1 final score.