SEWARD, Neb. – A perfect night for soccer brought together two GPAC rivals as Concordia University Nebraska Men’s Soccer hosted Hastings on Wednesday (Sept. 25). With time winding down in the second half, Martin Herrera buried an equalizer (1-1) via penalty kick as the two teams ended in a draw. Through only 10 games, the 2024 squad owns the singles season draw record with six of its matches ending in ties.
CUNE is 2-2-6 overall and has a 1-0-2 conference record. Head Coach Jason Weides commented on the performance ending in a tie and the impactful Sean Stratman.
“That’s life. Sometimes you give everything you have and you perform well but fall a little short. We are going to be resolute in what we are trying to do and continue to take steps forward. Sean is a player. We saw that from day one. He has been one of the most consistent performers all season long.”
Down one in the 77th minute, Slade Leicht raced the opposing keeper to the ball just inside the penalty area and was fouled hard by the Bronco between the pipes. Earning a free kick inside the box, Leicht gave Hererra the penalty and his fourth goal of the season. The equalizing score was his second made penalty on the year and the Quito, Ecuador, native leads the team with four goals.
With three shots on goal by the Broncos, the defense vastly controlled the visitors when having possession. Hastings first shot came from a free kick outside of the box and was booted on a line to the top left corner for the early score. The Bulldogs responded in their play without the ball and only allowed a couple more quality chances by full time.
Coach Weides talked about the defense postgame. “We are growing and are getting better. We are seeing where we need improvement. We have seen our team find something. Address it and implement a way to get better. I’m really proud of the unit. It’s not just the goalkeeper and back line in that. For us to be good defensively and only allow one true chance, it’s a team pressing. That’s everybody. That’s a striker, attacking mids, it’s recovery runs. Everybody put in the work today.”
Sean Stratman and much of the team was able to pick pocket the Broncos and end building runs toward the goal. A freshman, out of Omaha, Neb., has found and earned the respect of his teammates through his consistent play. Stratman commented on how the team was able to limit Hastings throughout the match.
“Bringing captain Iker Casanova back was huge. He brings a lot of communication and stability back there. Nolan (Fuelberth) in the back. Mike (Wyvill) has been playing very well. Just the connectivity was unbelievable tonight and it’s been there all season too.”
The constant pressing of the offense allowed Concordia to take a 10-7 total shot advantage, particularly in the second half (6-2). The visitors were able to best the Bulldogs in corners (3-1) with nothing coming of it in the final third.
After three GPAC games, every team has a loss or a tie on their record creating parody among the teams early in the conference season.
Concordia (2-2-6, 1-0-2 GPAC) will be back in action on Saturday night for Homecoming weekend. The Bulldogs will host the 2023 GPAC regular season champion Briar Cliff at 8 p.m. CT inside Bulldog Stadium. The two teams ended in a 1-1 draw last season in Sioux City, Iowa.