MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team battled to the end but fell to Cornell College, 2-1, in the season opener on Saturday evening.

Cornell went on top in the 26th minute with a penalty kick following a collision in the 18-yard box. Sam Burmeister sent Cougar goalkeeper Nick Isensee the wrong way to make it 1-0.

The Rams doubled their lead in the 41st minute, taking advantage of a Minnesota Morris giveaway. Gaurab Khadka caused the disruption and then dribbled the ball into space before hitting a long-distance shot into the top corner. Isensee would make a pair of saves in the closing minutes of the half to keep it 2-0.

Minnesota Morris notched its first goal of the season early in the second half. After a Cornell turnover, Cooper Jones was able to come forward and somehow weave through a sea of Ram defenders before putting a ball in the upper corner to open his account for the year.

Though the Cougars created more opportunities in the second half, only one more shot would end up on target. With less than three minutes to play, Jones had the ball fall to him in front of goal, but a defender was well-positioned to keep him from clean contact.

Jones ended with four of the eight UMN Morris shots in the match. Isensee made six saves on the afternoon.

Minnesota Morris makes it home debut on Monday afternoon, hosting Hamline University at 4 p.m.