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WINONA, Minn. — Offensively, the Saint Mary's University men's soccer team had more than its fair share of chances in Tuesday's nonconference game against North Central (Minn.) at Ochrymowycz Field.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals could not cash in on any of those chances, as they settled for a 0-0 double-overtime tie against the Rams — SMU's second double-overtime contest in its three games this season.

“I think defensively we were good, and our goalkeeper (Chris Williams (Chicago, Ill.)) came up with a couple big saves,” coach Pete Watkins said. “So I thought to get a shutout was an important thing for us, and we did that.”

The Cardinals attempted a season-high 32 shots — including eight by Juamaine Venter (Rochester, Minn.), while the SMU defense held to visiting Rams to just seven shot attempts, only three of which found their way to Williams.

“Our passing tonight was good,” Watkins said. “We just didn't have the finishing touch.

“I think we were too panicky trying to score,” Watkins added. “We couldn't relax in the box and that's why we left some chances out there tonight.

“That's a technique that they have to develop. They have to realize that they have to relax in order to do the most important thing in soccer, and that's to score.”

The Cardinals defense has been a real bright spot early on this season — especially after halftime, where SMU has allowed just one goal, that coming late in the second half of its 2-1, 2 OT loss to Lake Forest last Friday.

“I'd attribute a lot of that to leadership,” Watkins said. “I think Bryan Neu (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) and Gunnar Knutson (Minneapolis, Minn.) in particular have done a real good job of keeping our back line together. Hopefully that will allow for some chances on the other end of the field for us.”

The Cardinals are in action again this Saturday, hosting Grinnell in an 11 a.m., nonconference game at Ochrymowycz Field.

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