MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team fell to visiting Saint John's University by a score of 3-0 in the season opener on Thursday at Cougar Field.

Saint John's controlled much of the action, with Minnesota Morris looking to string together quick responses on the counterattack. The Johnnies took the lead in the 11th minute as a turnover by the Cougars in midfield led to the ball coming to the feet of Matt Anderson. His zagging run ended on the edge of the 18-yard box and he uncorked a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner for a 1-0 edge.

That lead held up through halftime. Coming out of the break, Saint John's added a second goal in the 52nd minute as pressure piled on the Cougar defense. Though consecutive Johnnie shots were blocked, the ball stayed in their possession and a ball slid in low from the right wing was tapped home by Kaiden Popp.

Late in the match, Popp popped up in the right spot again as Saint John's had a flowing attack through the middle of the field end in an open look from near the penalty spot that was finished for the 3-0 margin of victory.

Lucas Harmon finished the afternoon with 11 saves in goal for Minnesota Morris. Carter Watkinson led the offense with two shots, including one on goal.

Minnesota Morris heads out on the road on Sept. 5, taking on Augsburg University at 3 p.m. in Minneapolis.