SEWARD, Neb. – The final week of nonconference has arrived for the Concordia Men’s Soccer team. The Bulldogs will start with hosting Benedictine College (Kan.) on Wednesday (Sept. 11) and take a short trip to York University on Saturday afternoon. No. 7 Bellevue University stole a 2-1 road win in the final seconds and Grand View tied (1-1) with CUNE in last week’s matches on the pitch.
This Week
Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. Benedictine (4-1), 8 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Bulldog Stadium (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Sept. 14 at York (1-2-1), 2:30 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: York Soccer Complex (York, Neb.)
By the numbers
· Entering the final minute of play versus a talented Bellevue squad, the match looked destined to end in a draw. After a Bulldog foul inside the box, the Bruins were awarded a penalty which would ultimately be the separation needed in their road triumph. While the visitors scored first, the home team scored via a header from center back Michael Wyvill. Chances were limited for Concordia only firing off four shots (three on goal) in the 90 minutes. The defense kept Bellevue from many quality chances with only four shots on goal, including the penalty. Goalkeeper Nolan Fuelberth collected two saves in the match.
· After a gut wrenching loss, the Bulldogs faced Grand View on the road for another contest ending in a draw. Many quality chances were unable to be had once again as defenses ruled the final third for both teams. Wyvill scored on a scramble in the box, but the Vikings answered back in the first frame. Goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza collected six saves as Grand View collected a 7-3 shots on goal advantage.
· Wyvill, a defender out of Lincoln, Neb., played in 10 games in a reserve role and collected one shot the entire season in 2023. Now, the sophomore has had goals in back to back games and has helped the Concordia offense become more dangerous on set pieces after scoring on both his shots in 2024. The Lincoln Pius X product has started all five games and has continued to grow his role in the defensive third. Head Coach Jason Weides said postgame from Saturday, “We challenged him that we need to get some goals from center backs, especially on set plays and things like that. Fortunately, he is up for the challenge and rising to the occasion.”
· Scoring eight goals through five games, the Concordia offense has continued to spread the ball around in the final third. Martin Herrera and Wyvill are the only Bulldogs with two scores, but four more have put the ball in the back of the net including Oliver Benson, Aidan Nachi, Kai Olbrich and Ryan Wokutch. The assists mirror the scoring as four players have assists: Ferdi Hagen, Herrera, Carter Hinman and D’andre Williams (two).
· The Massey Ratings have Concordia rated 60 with a strength of schedule rating of 33. Massey has the upcoming opponents slotted 18th (Benedictine) and 154th (York). The teams strength of schedule rankings select the Ravens (63) and Panthers (150) in two different areas of the list.
Benedictine
The Ravens are 4-1 overall having defeated common opponent Avila University (2-0) at home. They have also bested Friends University (4-1), Williams Baptist University (3-0) out of Arkansas and Missouri Baptist University (1-0). Benedictine had its only loss on the road but has scored 10 total goals compared to its opponents’ 2. The Ravens have three shutouts and average 12.6 shots per contest. Out of 10 goals, six have been assisted and have a .540 shot on goal percentage. Kody Argaez, Adem Aroua and Norberto Montero all lead with two goals apiece, plus Diego Acuna and Feliipe Vargas have two assists for Benedictine. The primary goalkeeper, Noah Reuscher, has played 334 minutes collecting 15 saves and a .882 save percentage.
York
The Panthers are 1-2-1 through four games and have only played Great Plains Athletic Conference opponents. York bested Mount Marty (1-0) in its home opener and tied (2-2) Dakota Wesleyan in its most recent contest. In the middle two games, the Panthers fell to Doane (0-2) and Midland (1-3). They have scored two goals to their opponents five, with Matias Madriaga and Diego Yanes shooting one apiece. Yet to acquire an assist, York averages six shots a game but a high .667 shot on goal percentage. Jamie Watt has 169 minutes between the posts and has 15 saves on a .750 save percentage.
Next Week
The Bulldogs will enter conference play versus Northwestern and Dordt. Concordia will host the Red Raiders in its GPAC opener at Bulldog Stadium and travel to Sioux Center, Iowa. The matches are listed below.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
8 p.m. – vs. Northwestern
Saturday, Sept. 21
4:15 p.m. – at Dordt