HASTINGS, Neb. – Roughly halfway through the GPAC slate, Hastings sits in a familiar spot atop the conference standings. The fifth-ranked Broncos reasserted themselves on Saturday (Oct. 12) night by handing the Concordia University men’s soccer team a 3-0 defeat at Lloyd Wilson field in Hastings. The Bulldogs have not beaten Hastings since the 2015 GPAC tournament title game.
As 12th-year head coach Jason Weides has known for some time, GPAC championships go through Hastings. Despite the loss, a lot remains on the table for a Concordia squad that is now 9-2-1 overall and 4-1-1 in league play.
“We weren’t at our best and that was disappointing,” Weides said. “If you’re going to compete with the top teams in the nation you have to be at your best. For whatever reason, we were far from it tonight. There were some decent moments in the first half. There were a few good spurts. Credit to Hastings. They took full advantage of us. We got outplayed today.”
The Bulldogs had ventured through 12-straight GPAC regular-season games without a loss until running into the Broncos (10-0-1, 6-0 GPAC) on Saturday. Fernando Lisboa (16’), Dan Wheeler (54’) and Callum Watson (81’) each got on the board for Hastings, which outshot Concordia, 22-5, and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Weides saw defensive errors that helped lead to the three Hastings goals.
On the attacking end, the Bulldogs are still working to figure out more ways to create chances. Concordia had only one shot in the opening half. Leading goal scorer Moises Jacobo was held to one shot, which was saved by Hastings keeper Jesus Parra. A run of three-straight games with a goal ended for Garrett Perry, who put two shots on frame.
Bulldog keeper Eduardo Alba did his best to give his team a shot. He made seven saves – six in the second half. The Bronco attack remains potent despite having graduated prolific goal scorer Daniel Whitehall.
The Bulldogs will return home on Wednesday and welcome Morningside (9-2, 3-1 GPAC) to Seward for an 8 p.m. CT kickoff. Concordia will attempt to avenge the 2-1 defeat it suffered to the Mustangs last season in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside had been receiving votes nationally prior to its 6-1 loss at Midland on Oct. 2.
“We are still in relentless pursuit of our goals,” Weides said. “I think they became a lot harder after tonight, but as long as that goal is still attainable we will continue to pursue it. This was a little bit of humble pie. If we want to get where we want to go, we really have to come to play against the top teams.”