SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia Men’s Soccer traveled to Grand View University (Iowa) on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 7). The Bulldogs and Vikings collected scores in the first frame but neither team was unable to break the 1-1 draw in the second. Center back Michael Wyvill scored his second goal in two games.
Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad has earned three ties in five games completing a 1-1-3 overall record. Coach Weides commented on the early ties and slight inconsistencies.
“We have some good moments and times where we play inconsistent. It’s these little moments that are just as important as what we do in possession and how we defend. What we do in dead ball situations and throw ins are two of them. We are capable of being much better in those moments and until we are we will struggle to win those games.”
Wyvill, a defender out of Lincoln, Neb., had only one shot his entire freshman season after contributing in 10 games. The sophomore headed in a ball just a game ago and made good on yet another chance inside the box against Grand View. After a foul, Martin Herrera cracked a free kick inside the penalty area that caused a scramble in the box. Wyvill, the Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School product, kicked a low ball in the bottom left corner breaking the scoreless tie in the 13th minute.
Weides said, “We challenged him that we need to get some goals from center backs, especially on set plays and things like that. Fortunately, he is up for the challenge and rising to the occasion. He got another goal today and almost got another one in the second half.”
The home team would answer in the 35th minute. A Viking shot from the top of the box which led goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza to move left. The ball hit the ankle of another Grand View player and made the ball go the opposite way for a score in the lower right corner.
Mendoza, a senior out of Fuengirola, Spain, grabbed six saves to total 10 in his two contests. With Mendoza and Nolan Fuelberth, the Bulldogs continue to give each capable keeper time between the posts.
The Bulldogs dominated possession in the beginning of the contest but slowed down after the goal and some dangerous chances. The Vikings came on strong in the second part of the first frame and tallied five shots on goal.
Iowa Western Community College transfer Aidan Nachi attained his first starting nod from Coach Weides. The sophomore, out of Lincoln, Neb., has made an early impact and scored in the match against No. 17 Columbia College (Mo.).
The Vikings led in shots 15-5 and shots on goal (7-3). Warren Sung scored the home goal via an assist by Jaren Obia. Grand View will face Central Methodist University (Mo.) next Saturday.
Concordia (1-1-3) will take on Benedictine College (3-1) Wednesday night at Bulldog Stadium. First kick is set for 8 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs defeated (1-0) the Ravens in last years’ contest in Atchison, Kan.