No. 12-ranked St. Thomas Men's Soccer capitalized on a penalty-shot opportunity just before halftime in Friday's season-opening 1-0 victory over Washington (Mo.) in non-conference play at UST's South Field.
Junior Halvor Houg converted a penalty kick with 15 seconds left in the first half with a shot that just eluded the Bears' extended keeper.
Moments earlier, a Tommie attack on goal created a scrum, and a Bears player was whistled for a red card after a hand ball in the box. That created the Tommie scoring chance and put the visitors down one player over the game's final 45:15.
Sean Teske took the victory in goal for St. Thomas (1-0). He recorded two of his three saves in the second half.
Matt Martin had four saves for the Bears (1-0).
The Tommies are home Sunday afternoon to face No. 3-ranked University of Chicago. The Bears close their Twin Cities trip with a Sunday game at Macalester.