The Eagles were on the road at Tannery Lane Recreation Reserve for a match-up that was in doubt right up to the final whistle.
Both sides got onto the scoreboard in a balanced first quarter, kicking one goal each, with Echuca United taking a slight 9-7 edge into the first break.
The second period was more of the same and, after Strathfieldsaye levelled the behinds count, the two clubs went into the sheds locked at 15.
The arm-wrestle continued in the third period and two goals to both sides resulted in the Storm edging ahead by a point headed into the last term.
The Eagles had opportunities to take the lead late on, but Strathfieldsaye held on to a narrow advantage, a glut of behinds pushing the lead to five on the final scorecard, 5.9 (39) to 5.4 (34).
Jada Dennis and Ava Plattfuss were good in front of goal for United, kicking two majors each, while captain Lily Dunham provided the remaining goal.
The Eagles have now dropped each of their first three games, but could easily be sitting 2-1 after two tight defeats in three rounds.
United has an excellent opportunity to log its first points this Sunday when it returns to Echuca South Recreation Reserve to battle fellow winless side Kangaroo Flat.
