LA CROSSE, WIS. (SabreAthletics.com) - With another tough non-conference opponent on their schedule, the Marian University Women's Soccer team traveled north to La Crosse, Wisconsin to take on the UW-La Crosse Eagles. The Sabres, who kicked off 2013 last Friday with a win at home over Ripon College, were looking to keep the train rolling and move to 2-0. However, things would not go according to plan and the Eagles came out on top in this one, 2-1.

The first half saw each squad play with strong intensity and both defenses prevented a successful scoring chance for the opposition. In the 54th minute, freshman Mikaila Johnson slotted home the touch from junior Laura Maly to put the Sabres ahead 1-nil.

"After we scored, we continued to play like it was a 0-0 match," Head Coach Jason Murphy said. "We were still looking for that goal to make it 2-0."

The lead would not last, as UW-La Crosse was quick to counter and force the issue.

In the 79th minute, Megan Gresl netted the equalizer, courtesy of Jamie Ocsenweld. The even tilt would be short-lived, however, as the Eagles pushed ahead the game-winner just four minutes later, this time by Mackenzie Pokorny.

"We gave up a free kick in a dangerous area and they were able to serve it into the box and find an open player," Murphy added.

With time not on their side, Murphy directed his squad to play with high pressure to find the equalizer.

"When you're down, you've got to be willing to take chances and take risks. We had some good chances, but we just couldn't capitalize," Murphy said.

While the loss evens the Sabres' record at one, Murphy believes that his team will be able to learn a lot from this match.

"It's always difficult to play the Wisconsin state schools. Tonight showed us that we need to be better when we have the lead," Murphy said.

Marian will continue their road trip this Sunday as they head to the Key City, Dubuque, Iowa, to take on the University of Dubuque Spartans. Dubuque currently sits at 2-0-0 after victories over Grinnell (1-0) and St. Mary's (Minn.) (3-1). Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.