SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team wraps up non-conference play and begins conference play this week. The Bulldogs will go head-to-head with fellow NAIA program in Kansas Wesleyan University (Kan.) on Wednesday before a weekend trip to Mount Marty.
Wednesday, Sept. 16 vs. Kansas Wesleyan (0-0-0), 7 p.m.
-Live Webcast/Stats
Saturday, Sept. 19 at Mount Marty (0-0-0), 3:30 p.m.
-Live Webcast
Head coach Jason Weides’ squad is coming off their first win as they topped Mid America Nazarene 2-1 on Sept. 12. During the matchup, the Bulldogs outshot the Pioneers 17-8 with five shots on goal to MNU’s three. Concordia raced out to a 1-0 lead with sophomore Isaiah Shaddick finding the back of the net on a pass from sophomore Moises Jacobo just 13 minutes into the match. Freshman Ryan Wokutch then added insurance, scoring his first career goal just before intermission with sophomore Yessine Bessaies assisting. MNU added a penalty kick goal with four minutes remaining, but it was too little too late. Freshman goalkeeper Frederico Andrea-Simonetti was solid during his debut, recording three saves while allowing a penalty kick goal.
Throughout the early season, penalty kicks have served as an issue for the Bulldogs. During two matches, Concordia has allowed three goals off penalty kicks. Going forward, cleaning up play in the box will be a focal point of the Bulldogs defensive game plan.
The Bulldogs will look avenge last season 2-1 overtime loss to Kansas Wesleyan. In the past four meetings, the series is knotted at 2-2.
Kansas Wesleyan (0-0-0) will be playing in their season opener when they set foot on the pitch of Bulldog Stadium. Covid-19 has already canceled the two scheduled matches this season for the Coyotes. KWU returns just 25 percent of players from a team that finished 10-9-1 in 2019. The Coyotes are led by first-year coach Miguel Prieto. Prieto is one of the youngest head coaches in college soccer, having graduated from KWU in 2019. Wesleyan was tabbed to finish fourth in the KCAC preseason poll.
Mount Marty (0-0-0) opens their season and GPAC play Wednesday on the road at Doane before hosting the Bulldogs. The Lancers were slotted at eighth in the GPAC preseason poll after going 5-11-1 in 2019.
Concordia resumes play next week with a trip to Dordt University, located in Sioux Center, Iowa. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m.