NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Facing its toughest test of the young season, the Carroll University men's soccer team fell 3-0 to No. 3 St. Olaf on Tuesday afternoon at Rolf Mellby Field.
The nationally ranked Oles controlled much of the match and found the breakthrough in the 31st minute when Blaine Batchelor headed home a quick throw-in opportunity to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Carroll nearly responded moments later as Obada Altahat forced a save from St. Olaf goalkeeper Beckett Carlson, but the Pioneers entered halftime trailing by a goal.
Carroll created some of its best chances early in the second half behind Iskander Sharipov, who led the team with three shots. However, St. Olaf doubled its advantage in the 57th minute when Jack Soares finished a cross from Tustin Todd. The Oles added an insurance goal in the 80th minute as Soares converted a rebound for his second score of the contest.
Sharipov and Altahat recorded Carroll's two shots on goal, while Liam Stokes added a shot for the Pioneers. Goalkeeper Angel Escamilla kept Carroll in the match with six saves against a St. Olaf attack that produced 22 shots and nine shots on target.
The Oles finished with advantages in shots (22-5) and corner kicks (12-1), improving to 4-0 on the season. Carroll moved to 1-3 overall.
The Pioneers return to action Sunday when they host St. Norbert in another nonconference matchup at noon back at Schneider Stadium.
