Sophie Johnson was able to put the ball in the back of the University of Montana's net as the Carroll College women's soccer team drew to a 1-1 tie in an exhibition match on Friday in Missoula.

It was the first action of the year for the Saints squad, which went 12-7 last season and will host the University of Great Falls this Friday at 4:30 p.m. for the first game of the season.

The match with UM was marked by physical play as well as ample subbing to fend off the heat. The Saints used all 27 of their players as Montana used 23.

Montana took the early lead in the friendly when Montana junior Kaitlyn Heinsohn knocked in a header in the fifth minute. Heinsohn followed up a failed attempt to clear the ball by Carroll defenders after UM sophomore Brandee Marone's centering pass.

Johnson tied it up in the 57th minute when Laura Maddock passed hard to her feet and the Carroll forward buried the ball behind UM freshman goaltender Kristen Hoon.

Carroll players, particularly sophomore Meghan O'Connell, continued to put pressure on the goal and rung shots off the crossbar in the 87th minute and with 25 seconds to go.

";Meghan had some great looks and came close to making it a 2-1 result," said Carroll head coach Dave Thorvilson.

Montana controlled much of the play, winning seven corner-kick opportunities to Carroll's one.

Meanwhile, both side's aggressive play resulted in 22 fouls with Montana leading at 13.

";The referees allowed for the players to play their game," said UM head coach Neil Sedgwick. ";When you have an NAIA school stepping up to play with a Division I program, it allows for a smoother matchup. Carroll did this extremely well today. They are going to have a good run this year."