WINONA, Minn. (Duhawks.com) - It took 102 minutes but the Loras men's soccer team found a way to leave the state of Minnesota with a win in non-conference play on Wednesday night over Saint Mary's, 1-0. Luke Denson struck twine for the match-winner as the Duhawks improved to 4-1-0 this season. 

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
• The Duhawks and Cardinals kept pace with each other for the opening minutes but it was Saint Mary's who had the first true chance in the 19th minute, testing Loras goalkeeper Jesse Buffington … Minutes later, Buffington once again made a save to keep the Cardinals off the scoresheet
• Loras' first real scoring chance came off teh foot of Manny Lopez in the 55th minute after the sophomore blasted a screamer on target, only to be denied by the Cardinals' keeper … Immediately following, Carter Olson jumped into the mix on a loose ball inside the box, but like Lopez, was denied the scoring opportunity
• It looked as though the Duhawks had finally broken through in the 63rd minute on a goal by Javi Simon, but following a meeting of the officials, it was determined that Simon was offsides, nullifying the go-ahead goal
• Following a Saint Mary's corner kick in extra time, Loras threw the kitchen sink at Saint Mary's resulting in a shot on target by Tigrio Huerta that was saved … On the following corner, Mark Broderick's header clanged off the cross bar to keep the scoreless draw in tact
• Finally, in the 102nd minute, Loras' continued efforts were rewarded as Huerta curled in his corner kick, connecting with Simon, who had his shot attempt blocked and fell to the feet of Denson who sent home the winner
 
NOTABLES
• Denson's goal was the first of the season and his second career match-winner
• The Duhawks outshot the Cardinals by a 19-2 margin … Loras' 19 shots on target was the most since Oct. 19, 2016, when the Duhawks recorded 22 shots on goal in a 9-0 win against Coe
Broderick finished with a career-high five shots in Wednesday's contest
 
FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Miles McDonnell played 99 minutes tonight while acting as the team anchor in the midfield … It was his play that allowed Loras to control possession and prevent Saint Mary's from developing much of an offensive threat all night long

UP NEXT
Loras turns its attention now to Saturday's American Rivers Conference opener against crosstown rivals, Dubuque. The Spartans are 2-4-0 following a midweek loss to Monmouth. Kickoff from Oyen Field is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.