Getting off to a slow start continues to be a problem for the St. Thomas women’s soccer team as it fell 2-1 to the Macalester Scots on the road Tuesday evening.

The Tommies entered the game 1-3, coming off a 4-0 loss to Pacific Lutheran, looking to improve from a poor non-conference record. Coach Sheila McGill said she was happy with the way her team played, but finishing strong is an ongoing concern.

“We put every piece together except putting it in the back of the net,” McGill said. “We have key players that are trying to learn the systems and have seniors that are leading out there, and it was overall a great game.”

The Tommies controlled the game offensively, outshooting the Scots 17-8.

Forward Brielle Bierman recorded the Tommies’ lone goal and said the offense is clicking and the team is coming together well.

“We honestly dominated the entire game; we had the momentum and possession battle on our side. We just need to look forward and go into the next game on Saturday,” Bierman said.

McGill said she was impressed with Bierman’s play and that the Tommie forward continues to improve while dominating against tough opponents.

“She came out to play hard, she’s learning in the system and it’s coming together every day. It’s amazing to watch her really come out against another top team and dominate,” McGill said.

Bierman scored her one goal of the night on an assist from midfielder Hayley Engel, who set up Bierman for a strike just outside the 6-yard box.

Macalester scored just six minutes after Bierman as Scot defender Lily Jilk struck from the left side of the box on a pass from midfielder Hannah Walker, ending the first half tied 1-1.

While the Tommies controlled the game from a statistical standpoint, one play in particular was the game changer. In the 60th minute, St. Thomas defender Victoria Vargas attempted a sliding challenge inside the 18-yard box, but was called for a foul, giving Macalester a penalty kick that the Scots converted into the game-winning goal.

“I slid and got all ball, but unfortunately because a player went down, they decided to call it for a yellow card even though it was a clean slide,” Vargas said.

McGill also said she thought it was a clean tackle and that the call should be reviewed.

“It was a crappy call, and we are going to send it in to be reviewed by the referees association, but at the same time we can’t change that. We can only change ourselves moving forward,” McGill said.

The Tommies continue their MIAC conference schedule Saturday against St. Catherine University.

Luke Moe can be reached at moe95234@stthomas.edu.