SEWARD, Neb. – After a mid-week bye the Concordia University men’s soccer team is ready to return to action for the first time since its journey to Chicago last week for a gathering of Concordias. The Bulldogs are aiming to keep an unbeaten season alive. They own wins over Sterling College, York College and Concordia University, Chicago as part of a 3-0-1 start to the 2017 season. Head coach Jason Weides’ squad will put its undefeated mark on the line at Graceland University on Saturday. Kickoff from Lamoni, Iowa, is set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
The Bulldogs are hopeful that a goal scoring outburst is on the horizon. So far in 2017, Concordia has been one of the nation’s best at creating chances, currently sporting NAIA ranks of 11th in shots per game (22.5) and 19th in shots on goal per game (10.5). However, the Bulldogs have averaged 2.0 goals per game. They have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 8-3. Both Toby Down and Marcelo Hernandez have found the back of the net twice to lead Concordia.
Goalkeeper Jack Bennett is the reigning GPAC defensive player of the week. In his first season as a starter, the native of Oxford, England, has played all 360 minutes in goal, allowing three goals while making 14 saves. He owns a save percentage of .824 and a goals against average of .750.
Despite a solid start to the season, the Bulldogs moved back from third in the GPAC preseason poll to No. 5 in the conference rating that was released this week by the NAIA. Meanwhile, Graceland is 2-1-1 overall with victories over Park University and Doane. Concordia will be the third GPAC team to play against the Yellowjackets. The Heart of America Athletic Conference member’s lone loss came by a 1-0 score in a home contest against Northwestern. Graceland’s first four games have featured a total of nine combined goals.
Graceland will feature live stats and live audio for Saturday’s game. Another trip to Iowa awaits next week when the Bulldogs travel to Waldorf University on Wednesday (Sept. 13). Three days later Concordia will be back at home to host Kansas Wesleyan University (Sept. 16).