WASHINGTON – CUA dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Dickinson on Saturday in the Cardinals season opener.  Ian Smith scored both CUA goals, but Javier Mena's score early in the overtime session lifted the visiting Red Devils to victory.

Smith had a couple of chances early, but his first attempt was saved and his second was blocked. 

Not to be denied, the junior tried again, and this time he found the back of the net for a 1-0 Cardinals lead at the 21:51 mark of the opening half.  Justin Oloriz assisted on the goal, which was headed in by Smith.

Four minutes later, Smith tried yet again, but again his shot was saved.

The Cardinal defense did a good job of limiting the Red Devils' chances for the majority of the half, until Dickinson was able to get off four shots in the final five minutes.  All four attempts were off the mark though, sending CUA into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

Early in the second, Jamie Martin had a terrific give-and-go with Mena and found the back of the net to knot the score at one.

Smith answered back quickly though, taking a feed from Earl Hamilton and beating the Dickinson keeper for a 2-1 lead with 34 minutes left to play.

The Cardinals remained in the lead until eight minutes were left on the clock and Martin looped a shot over the CUA keeper's head for the tying goal.

Dickinson was able to get off one more shot, while CUA had a corner kick late, but after neither team scored, the match headed for overtime.

Hamilton had a great chance early in the OT session, rifling a shot towards the Red Devils goal, but it hit off the post and left things tied.

Less than 30 seconds later, Braeden Kelly fed Mena for the game-winner, lifting the Red Devils to an opening day win.

Both teams finished with 13 shots, including just one from each side in the overtime, while CUA had an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.  Torsten Meuschke stopped three shots in goal for the Cardinals and Cody Hickok sent back six for Dickinson.

The Cardinals are back in action on Wednesday afternoon when they play host to Shenandoah.  Start time is set for 4 p.m.