The Minot State University soccer team suffered its first loss in conference play this season against St. Cloud State.

The No. 21 Beavers (11-2-1, 9-1-1) had as many shots on goal (six) as the Huskies (7-4-2, 6-3-2), but took almost twice as many shots with 15 compared to St. Cloud State's eight.

"We just have to finish our chances," said head coach Jason Spain. "Not finishing our chances each game we're allowing them to be too close. Too many 1-0 games. This game should've been 4-0."

Four times this season Minot State has been able to win games by only scoring one goal and despite scoring first against St. Cloud State the Beavers failed to close out the game for the fifth 1-0 win.

The first goal of the game came from offensive standout Ninfa Ramirez (F, Jr., Perris, Calif.) who was able to put the ball past the goal keeper for the 11th time this season. Assisting the goal in the 17th minute was senior midfielder Kristin Long (Mesa, Ariz.).

Less than three minutes later Maria Kass was able to score the game tying goal to put the score at 1-1 before half time.

Throughout the remainder of the game both teams failed to put the ball into the net until St. Cloud State took a corner kick with 10 minutes left and Michelle Cornell headed the ball in to take a 2-1 lead for the Huskies.

After the game the Beavers were visibly upset, but in the eyes of coach Spain he and his team hold every game to the same standards no matter how big or small.

"Every game is very precious to me and I think our team feels the same way," Spain said. "We're upset. I mean, there were tears when we tied [Minnesota State] so that gives you an idea about how we feel about each game."

With the loss Minot State moves out of the top spot in the conference standings as Minnesota State was able to beat Augustana 2-1. The Mavericks with 31 points now sit atop the standings with Minot State and Augustana in second with 28.

Minot State will play its next game at home against Augustana with both teams coming off of their first conference loss. The game with be held at Herb Parker Stadium on October 24 at 11 a.m.

About Minot State
Minot State University is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and NCAA Division II offering 14 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. The NSIC is a premier NCAA DII, 16-member conference featuring teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The Beavers are the only public NCAA Division II institution in the state of North Dakota.