From the first minute of the game, the crowd made itself known as the Tigers tried to put their stamp on the game. Scott made the Tigers defense sweat early on, hitting the post within the first 15 minutes of action. But as the first half progressed, one MCC player in particular stood out and caused issues — midfielder Luisa Noronha. Consistently finding their way into the box and putting pressure on the Scott defense, Noronha’s persistence paid off just after the 20th minute with a left-footed shot that found its way past the opposing goalkeeper and put her in the history books.

The first goal in MCC’s history put the Tigers on top, and for the rest of the first half they threatened to score a second.

Head coach Allie Osmundson said there is a lot the Tigers still need to work on, but taking the lead was good value for Noronha’s performance.

“If we can get the ball out of our feet quicker, get those passes moving I think we can be successful,” Osmundson said. “She’s a player that works hard no matter what position you put her in, we kind of throw her in all over the field. She definitely deserved that [goal].

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING - MCC’s Luisa Noronha, center, tries to fight past Scott CC defender Sarah Madden for possession of the ball during the first half of Thursday’s soccer match at MCC.

“She is our energizer bunny, and when she goes, we go.

After the halftime break, there was more good pressure from the Tigers — although Osmundson said the Tigers still needed to speed up their movement and passing.

But with 31 minutes left to play, MCC faced its first true bit of adversity — a straight red card for midfielder Sami Trowbridge for a tackle just outside the Tigers’ penalty box. There was no goal conceded from the ensuing free kick, but it left MCC down to 10 women on the field and on the back foot.

Needing to just maintain their lead, the Tigers still carved out a few chances but there were infrequent opportunities for Scott to equalize. But with less than 10 minutes left, Scott went down to 10 players with a straight red card to even up the numbers. From there, it was straightforward for the Tigers to see it through.

The win is something MCC will have in its pocket to build confidence and improve as the season progresses.

“I’m excited, there’s obviously a lot we need to work on but it was a great crowd and I’m just really proud of the team,” Osmundson said. “To come out with a win in your first game, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

MCC plays Tuesday at home against Hawkeye Community College at 3:30 p.m.