SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – After a conference opening win, the Concordia Men’s Soccer team ended in a 1-1 draw with Dordt on Saturday afternoon. Michael Wyvill scored his third goal of the season to climb back into the match and the two teams couldn’t finish in the final third in the second frame. Quality chances were at a premium with the Bulldogs having the edge, 4-3.
CUNE is 2-2-5 overall and is 1-0-1 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Head Coach Jason Weides talked about the first road conference game.
“There was a lot more positive than negative, but it was disappointing to walk away with a draw. Dordt challenged us, but besides a few moments in the game, we largely controlled the possession. We had opportunities to win but we didn’t take the three points in this.”
Down 1-0 early in the first half, centerback Wyvill received a free kick cross from D’Andre Williams and kicked it in the bottom right corner. The sophomore, out of Lincoln, Neb., has gained confidence on set pieces scoring three goals in the past six games, and is tied with Martin Herrera in goals scored for the Bulldogs.
Williams, out of London, Ontario (Canada), has three assists which is good enough for the most this season under coach Weides.
The Defenders were able to score on an accidental hand ball servicing up a penalty in the box. The two teams were close in almost every category: offsides (2-5) corners (4-3), saves (2-3), yellow cards (2-2). The Bulldogs were able to beat out the home team in shots (15-10) but the defenses tightened down in the final thirds.
Only seven total shots on goal and teams can understand why when they see an experienced Adrian Wambua inserted back into the starting lineup. One of the deepest defenses in the league boasts the likes of goalkeeper Nolan Fuelberth, Sean Stratman, Wyvill, Iker Casanova, Ryan Brown, Spencer Kaufman, and Michael Linberg.
Coach Weides said, “I thought we did a good job of limiting their chances outside of the box or rushed shots. We stuck to our game plan and we were taking our chances sometimes out of the box as well. Even in the waning seconds, we were still trying to play the ball in for quality chances. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t take it.”
Jacob Narkis scored the penalty for Dordt (2-3-3, 0-0-2 GPAC) leading the team with three shots. The Defenders will look for their first conference win against Waldorf at the Dordt Soccer Complex on Wednesday.
CUNE (2-2-5, 1-0-1 GPAC) will be back in Bulldog Stadium for both matches next week, including Homecoming on Saturday. Hastings (3-6, 1-1 GPAC) will travel to Seward on Wednesday. The Bulldogs and Broncos tied (1-1) last season in October.