Houghton, Mich. - A career-high 10 saves from redshirt senior goalkeeper Julia Clifford was not enough for St. Cloud State soccer (1-1-0) on Sunday, as the Huskies dropped a 1-0 decision at Michigan Tech.

MTU notched an early goal, which proved to be the difference. Late in the 23rd minute, Michigan Tech senior defender Jessica Splittgerber's cross from the left wing found freshman Alex Vasile, who beat Clifford for all the offense MTU would need.

After staking itself to a quick lead, Michigan Tech held St Cloud State's attack in check to seal the win. The Huskies' stops on defense created multiple attacking opportunities and nine shots, but MTU allowed only three of them to reach junior goalkeeper Kirsen Hudak, who kept the clean sheet.

"It was a hard result considering we competed for the entire 90 minutes," head coach Gretta Arvesen said. "We learned the value of execution today."

Despite taking the loss, Clifford, a Ham Lake, Minn., native, was stellar in goal for the Huskies. Her 10 saves were the most for a St. Cloud State goalkeeper since Brittany Plombon made 11 on Sept. 6, 2015 against Michigan Tech. Seven of Clifford's 10 stops came in the second half as MTU pressed for a second tally.

"I am extremely proud of Julia's focused leadership and performance in goal this weekend," Arvesen said.

Sophomore forward Maria Kass led the Huskies with four shots, including one on goal.

Next on the docket for St. Cloud State is a match-up against three-time defending national champion and top-ranked Grand Valley State in Mankato, Minn. Kick off for that game is set for 2 p.m., on Friday, September 9.

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