CLINTON, Iowa - The finishing touch on a historical day fell just short as the Ashford University women's soccer team was blanked in its home opener on Tuesday by No. 20 Trinity Christian College, 3-0, on the new AU South Campus Field.

The Trolls (2-0, 0-0) exacted their revenge against the Saints (1-2, 0-0 MCC) by scoring all three goals in the first half. Ashford defeated Trinity Christian in 2009 when the Trolls were ranked eighth in the nation.

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the community, faculty and students, was held earlier this afternoon, officially unveiling the long-anticipated artificial turf field. An additional capacity crowd of nearly 500 fans turned out to fill the bleachers for the Saints' turf debut to cheer on the home team.

"We knew Trinity Christian was a tough squad coming in and unfortunately, couldn't get the results we were looking for," AU Head Coach Mick Regan said. "It will be time to regroup and practice hard to focus on our next opponent (Sept. 4 at Robert Morris University)."

The physical tone of this match took its toll on the Saints and the offensive opportunities were there, but limited around the net. Senior forward Cassandra Broderick of Bettendorf split a pair of defenders for a potential goal late in the second half, but TCC goalkeeper Hannah Gonzalez.

Gonzalez made three saves to record the shutout.

Trinity Christian senior midfielder Errika Comerouski put the Trolls on the board first with a score at the 15:17 mark. Twelve minutes later, TCC forward Allison Doyle cut through the Saints' defense and rifled a shot past goalie Kylie Willet of East Moline, Ill., for the two-goal advantage.

TCC would strike one more time before the break as sub Molly Boonstra centered a pass in the middle of the box to Sarah Rodgers for a header and the final score in the 33rd minute.

Sophomore netminder Jerika Castillo of Iowa City relieved Willet after the break and was credited two saves in the second half.

Trinity Christian outshot Ashford, 13-5, throughout the match.

The Saints will look to get back on the winning track this weekend when they head to Robert Morris University (Ill.) for a Saturday showdown at 3:30 p.m.

No. 20 Trinity Christian 3, Ashford 0 - Box Score