(Sept. 6, 2006 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- What could have been. That is the story as the Cardinals lost to Siena Heights on Wednesday not becuase they had less talent. Not because their opponent gave more of an effort. The game was decided, tragically, because a ball that was centered deep in the Concordia zone was to be cleared by defenseman Justin Diener using the header. The ball, however, did not bounce out of the zone, but rather went toward the goal and over the outstretched hands of Card goalkeeper Jeff Szypula to give the Saints a 1-0 lead. The goal would stand as the decisive point and give Siena Heights a 1-0 lead.

The Saints controlled the flow of the game, but the defensive strategy employed by Concordia was the right choice for the game, as the Cards held the Saints scoreless for 66 minutes (and barring a fluke play - actually held them scoreless the entire game). Siena Heights outshot Concordia 20-4 overall, with Saint goalkeep Andrew Klenner having to only stop one shot on goal. On the other end, Szypula was if not spectacular, very steady, as he stopped all 11 shots he faced from the boots of Siena Heights.

Siena Heights had many more opportunities to score and it was the relentless attacking defense of Concordia that held them in check for most of the game. Diener, save for the one unfortunate play, was stellar on defense as was Trevor Sutton and Kevin Robinson as the trio wouldn't allow too many breakaways nor pin-point opportunities.

For a team looking to win only their second game in a series that has been played 29 times, how the goal was scored is more bothersome than the fact that it was scored. The young team is looking to continue it's confident play this season as they prepare for a game next Wednesday against conference power Madonna University.