Overtime goal by Douglas gives Concordia 1-0 win over Midland

Nathan Douglas scored on a free kick in the first overtime period to lift Concordia to a 1-0 GPAC men’s soccer win over Midland University on Wednesday evening in Seward.  The Bulldogs won their third straight to improve to 9-3-1 (3-2 GPAC).  Midland dropped to 6-6-1 (3-3 GPAC).  

The visiting Warriors held the shot advantage throughout the contest.  Midland totaled 32 shots (16 on goal) compared to 11 total shots (five on goal) for the Bulldogs.  However, Chris Podlich (Brisbane, Aus.) and the Concordia defense stayed strong.  Podlich finished with 16 saves on the night.  

Midway through the first overtime, Douglas (Winnipeg, Can.) was taken down just outside the penalty box to earn a free kick.  The Warriors set up a wall, but Douglas’ shot found the corner of the net for the game-winner.  After the game, Douglas talked about the goal.  

“I knew the keeper was on the opposite side, so I just wanted to drop it over the wall and give it a chance,” remarked Douglas, who is now tied for the team lead with eight goals on the season. 

Andy Jones had a game-high 12 shots for Midland University on the night.  Lewis Wilcox made four saves but suffered the loss in net for the Warriors.  

Douglas and Nate Friesner (Shawnee, Kan.) each had three shots to lead the way for the Bulldogs.  Concordia will take its 3-game winning streak on the road this weekend when they face Morningside College on Saturday afternoon.  Douglas discussed the road ahead for the Bulldogs.  

“We really fought through it tonight against a very good Midland team,” noted Douglas.  “We kept pushing, and our fans here at home have a huge impact on us.  That’s why we’re 6-0 at home this season.  We have five games remaining in conference play, and we would obviously like to win out.  We earned a tough win tonight.  We’d like to have some home games come playoff time, so every game the rest of the season is very important.”