ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College men's soccer team scored first but couldn't hold off No. 3 Augsburg University, losing 3-1 in a MIAC match Saturday afternoon at John Leaney Field at Macalester Stadium. The Scots are now 7-4 on the season, including a 2-2 mark in the conference. The Auggies improve to 11-1 overall and 3-1 in the MIAC.

Early in the first half, Macalester had two outstanding chances to score, one by junior midfielder Kasdan Blattman (San Jose, Calif./Bellermine) that was saved by Augsburg goalkeeper Christian Hodges in the 15th minute, and one by junior forward Zach Liptzin (Denver, Colo./Northfield) in the 17th minute that went high. In the 27th minute, a long pass by sophomore midfielder Keane Palmer (Honolulu, Hawaii/Iolani School) sent junior forward Chris Frantz (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove) in behind the defense. Hodges came out and took down Frantz in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Blattman made no doubt this time, converting the penalty kick for a 1-0 lead.

The Scots held the upper hand until the 54th minute, when a foul was called on a Macalester player in the penalty area. Christopher Plaza Alvarado converted the penalty kick to tie the score. Then in the 67th minute, Diego Veit put the Auggies on top with a goal off an assist from Plaza Alvarado. A little over two minutes later, Augsburg netted an insurance goal on a corner kick that Veit bent into the goal for a 3-1 lead.

Macalester starting goalkeeper Justin Ratner (Dallas, Texas/Highland Park) was injured and came out of the game in the fifth minute. Junior goalkeeper PJ Pozniak (Phoenixville, Pa./Spring-Ford) played the final 85 minutes and made four saves. Hodges finished with two saves, as the Auggies held a 14-10 edge in shots taken.

The Scots continue conference play with a home game against Saint John's University on Saturday, Oct. 11. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at John Leaney Field at Macalester Stadium.