Michigan Tech midfielder Seulgi Lee pushes the ball up the field during a match against St. Cloud State Thursday at Kearly Stadium in Houghton. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Michigan Tech soccer team fell short of victory to open the season as St. Cloud State scored the lone goal before the ninth minute of play at Kearly Stadium on Thursday evening.

Michigan Tech falls to 0-1 to start the non-conference portion of the season, while St. Cloud State moves to 1-0.

St. Cloud State’s Ellie Primerano fired in a pass from the far side corner of the field, finding Ariel Hawkey in front of the Tech goal for a header with 8:55 played.

“I thought we grew into the match,” head coach Bulut Ozturk said. “I know we didn’t play the way we wanted to but things got better in the second half and this is a great learning experience for our team and an experience we want to learn and grow from.”

As the game progressed, MTU began to settle in and found multiple shots with Junior Julia Pietila accounting for two shots on goal. Senior defender Molly Bolang got a chance to tie the game in the 28th minute, but her shot went just high of the goal, keeping the Huskies down by a point.

“She’s someone we know that can attack and be a threat.” Ozturk said about Bolang.

The two teams continued their physical battle throughout the remainder of the first half but remained scoreless following the Hawkey header.

Michigan Tech continued to progress in the second half of play, however, the physicality and defensive efforts by St. Cloud State pursued.

The hometown Huskies had a few looks at the visitor’s goalkeeper in the final 20 minutes of action, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Freshman Brooke Green played vital minutes in her debut for Michigan Tech working within the offense.

“I thought Brooke Green and Katelyn Sanders held their own and did really well for a high-pressure situation where the game is so close,” Ozturk added.

Pietila led MTU in shots, firing three with two on goal. As a team, Tech led St. Cloud State nine shots to six, Senior goalkeeper Gracie VanLangevelde made four saves. Michigan Tech also held the advantage in corner kicks, five to three.

Michigan Tech continues the opening homestand, hosting Minnesota Duluth on Saturday at noon. The game will also act as Parent Weekend for the Black and Gold.