2014 Men's Soccer Schedule and Results

10-6-4 Overall, 5-2-3 GPAC - Season Stats

AUGUST
Aug. 21	Columbus CC (scrimmage)	Seward, Neb.	5 p.m.
Aug. 23	Alumni Game	Seward, Neb.	4 p.m.
Aug. 29	Bethany College (Kan.)	Seward, Neb.	W, 1-0
Aug. 30	William Penn University (Iowa)	Seward, Neb.	L, 0-1 (2 OT)
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5	Hannibal La-Grange (Mo.)	Hastings, Neb.	L, 2-3 (2 OT)
Sept. 6	University of Saint Francis (Ind.)	Hastings, Neb.	L, 0-1
Sept. 12	Sterling College (Kan.)	Sterling, Kan.	W, 4-1
Sept. 13	Friends University (Kan.)	Wichita, Kan.	T, 0-0 (2 OT)
Sept. 20	* Mount Marty College	Yankton, S.D.	W, 4-2
Sept. 23	Waldorf College (Iowa)	Seward, Neb.	W, 1-0
Sept. 27	* Morningside College	Seward, Neb.	W, 2-1
OCTOBER
Oct. 1	York College	Seward, Neb.	W, 4-0
Oct. 4	* Dordt College	Sioux Center, Iowa	L, 2-3
Oct. 8	* Doane College	Seward, Neb.	T, 1-1 (2 OT)
Oct. 15	* Nebraska Wesleyan University	Lincoln, Neb.	T, 2-2 (2 OT)
Oct. 18	* Northwestern College (Senior Night)	Seward, Neb.	W, 2-0
Oct. 21	* Midland University	Fremont, Neb.	W, 2-1 (2 OT)
Oct. 25	* Briar Cliff University	Sioux City, Iowa	T, 0-0 (2 OT)
Oct. 29	* (12) Hastings College	Seward, Neb.	L, 0-2
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1	* Dakota Wesleyan University	Seward, Neb.	W, 1-0
GPAC Tournament: Nov. 5, 9, 14
Nov. 6	Doane College (GPAC Quarterfinals)	Crete, Neb.	W, 1-0
Nov. 11	(11) Hastings College (GPAC Semifinals)	Hastings, Neb.	L, 1-2 (OT)
Nov. 14	GPAC Championship	TBD	TBD
NAIA Tournament: Nov. 22, Dec. 1 - 6
Nov. 22	NAIA Tournament Opening Round	TBD	TBD

All Home Games in BOLD
*Great Plains Athletic Conference Games

2014 Men's Soccer Roster

No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Yr.

Hometown

Previous School

Mark Horsburgh

5-11

So.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Royal

Brendan Buchanan

5-7

Sr.

Broomfield, Colo.

Broomfield

Sean Doran

6-6

Jr.

Dublin, Ireland

Colaiste Ide

Daniel Moore

5-10

Sr.

Fruita, Colo.

Central

Marcos Leon

6-0

So.

Sonora, Mexico

San Luis

Mark Campbell

5-10

So.

Dublin, Ireland

Colaiste Ide

Carlos Acosta

5-9

So.

Cali, Columbia

Instituto Bilingue Agora

Rajan Kooner

5-9

Sr.

Surrey, Canada

Brewton-Parker University

Jake Sells

5-6

Jr.

Woodland Park, Colo.

Woodland Park

Sam Toufique

5-11

Fr.

East Kilbride, Scotland

Williamwood

Gideon Soenksen

5-8

Jr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Julian Amaya

5-8

So.

Bogota, Columbia

Wayland Baptist University

Will Gabbert

6-2

Jr.

Sedalia, Mo.

Home School

Toby Down

6-0

Fr.

Hong Kong, China

King George V

Chris DeFeyter

5-8

Sr.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Saguaro

Dean Stevens

6-1

Jr.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Notre Dame Prep

Tony Brandner

6-1

Jr.

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Lincoln

Matt Meisinger

5-7

Jr.

Sioux Falls, S.D.

O'Gorman

Dan Stephens

5-9

So.

Wichita, Kan.

Andover Central

Andrew Mussell

5-11

So.

Buffalo, Minn.

Buffalo

Zach Barz

5-10

Fr.

Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque Senior

Micah Lehenbauer

5-9

Fr.

Kathleen, Ga.

Perry

Mark Anderson

5-10

Jr.

Morton, Ill.

Morton

Fabricio Mendez

5-8

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln North Star

Nathan Northcutt

5-10

So.

Dublin, Ireland

Mount Temple

Justin Lawrie

6-1

Jr.

Winnipeg, Canada

St. Paul's

Nick Koszewski

5-10

Jr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Marcelino Varona

5-6

Jr.

Olathe, Kan.

Olathe South

Ray Villegas

6-0

So.

El Paso, Texas

El Paso CC

Dillon Hixson

6-0

Fr.

Holdrege, Neb.

Holdrege

Cody Thompson

5-11

Jr.

Gering, Neb.

Western Nebraska CC

Eli Etzel

5-11

So.

Buffalo, Minn.

Buffalo

Dakota Judds

5-10

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Head Coach - Jason Weides

Assistant Coach - Nick Holmes

Assistant Coach - Nathan Douglas

Goalkeeper Coach - Brett Rosenberger

Graduate Assistant - Nico Luque

Veteran presence makes for productive men’s soccer spring

By Jake Knabel, Sports Information Director

SEWARD, Neb. – Many of the same faces who starred on the pitch for Concordia University men’s soccer in the fall are back this spring on one of the more veteran teams head coach Jason Weides has guided in his six years at the helm. Concordia possesses a deep 2014 roster that includes 12 players who started nine or more games in 2013.

The familiarity among the current core should help lessen the sting of the graduation of Nathan Douglas, the program’s all-time leading goal scorer. Weides knew that one of the biggest questions this spring centered upon how the team would react without having ‘Dougie’ to lean on.

“Any time you have a player who’s been that impactful for your program it does force you to change a few things,” Weides said. “I think that’s what this spring has been about – learning how to play without him. For the last four years we’ve had the luxury of playing with him and he’s taken a lot on his shoulders.

“We didn’t have a lot of depth at striker with Douglas not playing and some other guys who weren’t able to play. We’ve played a few guys at striker who had never really played there before.”

The early returns have been solid. Junior-to-be Gideon Soenkson, new to the striker role, has provided goal scoring this spring while helping the Bulldogs go unbeaten through four spring matches.

Soenksen (16 starts in 2013) is one of 23 holdovers participating this spring. He and other familiar names like midfielder Chris DeFeyter (second team all-GPAC in 2013) and defenders Sean Doran (second team all-GPAC), Mark Campbell, Justin Lawrie and Mark Anderson form a nucleus with a wealth of experience.

Particularly veteran in the back with the likes of Doran and senior-to-be goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, Concordia has taken another step, as evidenced by its run of shutouts this spring.

“I think we’re seeing true strides in some guys,” Weides said. “Some who made moderate progress the first year or two are starting to make big strides. I think it will pay big dividends for next fall having the vast majority of our team back. Some of those guys have had a lot of minutes over their last couple years. This will be the first time in several years we’ve been top heavy in terms of juniors and seniors.”

DeFeyter, a senior-to-be from Scottsdale, Ariz., takes on even more of a leadership role with Douglas out of the picture. The lone team captain this spring, DeFeyter netted a career high six goals in 2013 and could be primed for even more in his final season.

“He’s been a good leader for us in the offseason and has helped set the tone,” Weides said. “We provide expectations as a coaching staff but we need that from our players as well. Chris is one of those people who has a really strong, positive winning mentality. He’s willing to put in the extra work and pass it on to the younger players. I think it can be a really great season for him.”

DeFeyter and Soenksen are among the names that have popped this spring. Weides also notes the progression he’s seen from Campbell, who has shifted to midfield from defender, as well as Will Gabbert.

The work habits of Soenksen and others appear to be a theme throughout the roster.

“Gideon Soenksen is a guy who is just tireless in the offseason, getting touches on the ball and continuing to improve,” Weides said. “We have a lot of guys who have jumped in with those guys and got a lot of extra touches. We’re starting to see our technical ability improve.”

Weides’ club has a wealth of depth with the spring roster alone, but additional reinforcements will arrive in the fall to provide competition for playing time.

“Some of our newcomers will help us,” Weides said. “We have a couple internationals that will help us and impact us immediately. We’ve got a player from Georgia who can come in and do a nice job. We also have a couple other guys from throughout the country that will step in. We expect them to raise our level of play. That’s the nice thing about every year – there’s an influx of new personalities and talents.”

Coming off a 10-9 season (6-4 in the conference) in 2013, the Bulldogs are set to open up the 2014 schedule on Aug. 29 when Bethany College (Kan.) visits Seward.

Student-athlete profile: DeFeyter primed for best soccer yet

By Jake Knabel, Sports Information Director

SEWARD, Neb. – Senior-to-be Chris DeFeyter has escaped the unforgiving desert sun of his hometown of Scottsdale, Ariz., by remaining in Seward over the summer for the first time in his college career. It was a typical weekday for the Bulldog soccer standout, who donned the scrubs from his job at Ridgewood Rehab and Care Center as he discussed a challenging summer slate of full-time work as a CNA and what’s in store for his senior season.

A breakout performer in 2013, DeFeyter tallied six goals as a second team all-conference attacking midfielder. With all-time leading goal scorer Nathan Douglas having graduated, DeFeyter will be looked upon for even greater production and leadership.

“With Dougie we were a completely different team. There’s no doubt about it,” DeFeyter said. “With him leaving it will hurt us a little bit but I don’t think it’s going to necessarily drain us. I think we’ll bounce back and be better. With Dougie we played a lot more direct and to him and tried to work off of him. Now we’re going to have to try to learn how to play with each other. I thought through spring season we really proved that we can do that.”

DeFeyter, who will be a captain again in 2014, stands out among a group of veteran players that includes Sean Doran, Gideon Soenksen and Mark Campbell. DeFeyter has been part of a transition from a young Concordia squad two years ago to one with a wealth of experience. Now entering his final season, the Saguaro High School prep has a good handle on exactly what role he will need to play.

“Without Douglas there’s not that X factor so it might be me mixing it up a little bit more, going at a player or looking for that through ball through,” DeFeyter said. “I think personally it’s going to be me being in shape and me being ready for whatever I need to do.”

The Grand Canyon State understands that his increased responsibilities will be as a role model for the rest of the team. DeFeyter is the sort of calm, confident leader that makes him an ideal captain.

“I tend to try to lead on the field,” DeFeyter said. “I use my vocals pretty well but generally it’s mainly what I do on the field that people try to follow.”

Head coach Jason Weides has noticed a rise in maturity in DeFeyter, who has increasingly developed confidence while working to define himself on the field and among his teammates.

“As he gained experience, teammates began to look up to him as a leader within the team,” Weides said. “I think that Chris struggled with the idea being a leader initially because he was uncertain what it meant to be a leader. Now he better understands that he doesn’t need to be a perfect leader or a cookie cutter version of a leader. He just needs to be himself and trust in his the abilities God has given him. As a senior, I see a guy that has embraced his leadership role and is well prepared to thrive in it.”

Before the focus shifts to what DeFeyter does on the field, the exercise science major will concentrate on advancing his career pursuits and staying in shape. Work shifts at Ridgewood vary from graveyard hours to more normal day labor. That means DeFeyter hits Bulldog Stadium when he can, sometimes early in the morning or late into the evening.

“Throughout this whole summer it’s been work and working out. That’s been about it,” DeFeyter said. “End of summer I’m going back to Arizona. I’m flying out of Denver. I have two older brothers and they’re going to meet in Colorado and we’re going to go on a big camping trip before the season starts. It will help me get my mind off things and relax a little bit.”

Even while on vacation, DeFeyter is likely to call up visions of himself playing the game he loves. The son of a father who played collegiate soccer and a mother who excelled in track and field, DeFeyter is an all-around athlete who enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and running track while growing up in Arizona. But none of those sports could provide him quite the same thrill as soccer did.

“I was playing it a lot,” DeFeyter said. “My mom used to be a track star so I got my legs from her. I was doing track, soccer, basketball and baseball. I was quick with basketball. Baseball I could chase down fly balls. I was always good with my legs. Soccer was the thing that stuck. I always did better at it.

“It wasn’t really a choice. I was playing competitive soccer since fourth grade. Basketball and baseball were just in leagues and different recs. I stuck with soccer and told my parents I wanted a scholarship.”

Seeking something different, DeFeyter aspired to find the right institution outside of his home state. He wanted to get away, experience new places and meet new people. The two-time all-state Arizona prep visited schools in Colorado such as Mesa State, Metro State and Adams State as well as Oklahoma Wesleyan before settling on Concordia.

Weides first saw DeFeyter at a showcase in Colorado and was immediately interested in bringing him on board. Weides and Concordia made an undoubtedly positive impression on DeFeyter, who called the campus “homey.”

A few years later, DeFeyter feels validation in his decision to make Concordia his home. He cites the close friendships he’s developed as confirmation. Plus he’s blossomed as a star doing what God intended him to do. He just may be the Bulldogs’ most reliable goal scorer in 2014.

“Chris has always been a pivotal and dynamic player for us but seems ready to take another step forward in his play,” Weides said. “One area that wouldn’t surprise me to see him improve would be his goal scoring. He set a personal best for goals this past fall and his finishing ability has continued to improve around the net this offseason. DeFeyter’s greatest impact on our team this fall will be all of the intangibles he provides that can’t be measured on the score sheet.”

Asked to lay out what would make for a successful senior season, DeFeyter framed his answer in terms of the team.

Says DeFeyter, “I just think we need to play well together. We need to play direct sometimes but more with each other, and we need to be able to trust each other.”

According to his head coach, there’s no reason not to trust in DeFeyter, primed for his best soccer yet.

Men’s soccer placed preseason fifth in GPAC by league coaches

GPAC release

SEWARD, Neb. – Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ Concordia men’s soccer team has been picked to finish exactly where it did a season ago – fifth in the GPAC. That’s where league coaches placed the Bulldogs in the GPAC preseason poll released Tuesday by the conference. Last season Concordia set a new school record for GPAC wins by going 6-4 in conference action.

Weides will have a veteran team in 2014 with all-time leading goal scorer Nathan Douglas being the only key piece that graduated from the 2013 squad. The Bulldogs have several potential stars with the likes of midfielders Chris DeFeyter and Gideon Soenksen and defender Mark Campbell ready to grab more of the spotlight. A total of 12 players on the current roster started nine or more games last year.

“There is definitely a lot more pressure on us as a team because we can't fall back on being inexperienced or young anymore,” Soenksen said. “However I think this pressure will force all of us as a group to step up and we'll have many sources of leadership and inspiration to look to.”

More details on the 2014 Concordia men’s soccer team will be available in our soon-to-come season preview.

2014 GPAC Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Hastings – 99 (9)
2. Midland – 91 (2)
T3. Doane – 77
T3. Northwestern – 77
5. Concordia – 61
6. Morningside – 52
7. Dakota Wesleyan – 49
8. Dordt – 39
9. Briar Cliff – 26
10. Nebraska Wesleyan – 24
11. Mount Marty – 10

2014 men’s soccer season preview

Head Coach: Jason Weides (49-55-8, six years)
2013 Record: 10-9 overall; 6-4 GPAC (5th)
Returning Starters: 10
Key Returners: Carlos Acosta (MF), Mark Anderson (D), Brendan Buchanan (GK), Mark Campbell (MF), Chris DeFeyter (MF), Sean Doran (D), Will Gabbert (D), Justin Lawrie (D), Marcos Leon (D), Gideon Soenksen (F), Jake Sells (MF), Dean Stevens (F)
Key Losses: Nathan Douglas (F)
2013 GPAC All-Conference: Nathan Douglas (first team), Chris DeFeyter (second team), Sean Doran (second team), Mark Campbell (honorable mention), Gideon Soenkson (honorable mention)

Outlook:
There may not be a more veteran team in the GPAC than Concordia, which returns 12 players who started at least nine games in 2013. Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides has a battle-tested squad at his disposal – one that could put the school record of 12 wins in a single season in serious jeopardy.

A program coming off its third-straight season of 10 victories or more brings back virtually every key piece, save for all-time leading goal scorer Nathan Douglas. That means the only real question centers around adapting with life sans one of the GPAC’s most prolific strikers over the past four years.

“Ultimately we did rely a lot on Douglas in terms of what he did in front of the net,” Weides said. “He scored a significant amount of goals last year for us. I think a lot of guys just turned to him for the answer all the time. One thing we did this spring was just to learn how to play without Dougie. That will still be a challenge moving into the fall but I think we took a step in the right direction this spring. Despite losing a guy who scored that many goals and had been such a vital component, I think this is when you see the rest of the team step up.”

There are plenty of candidates capable of doing just that. Concordia boasts star midfielders in senior Chris DeFeyter (six goals) and junior Gideon Soenksen (two goals), both exceptionally skilled players. There’s also two-time second team all-conference center back Sean Doran and another rising star in sophomore defender Mark Campbell. The defense is also anchored by junior Justin Lawrie and senior keeper Brendan Buchanan (28 career starts in goal).

The list doesn’t end there. Junior forward Dean Stevens appears on the verge of a breakthrough and the likes of sophomore midfielder Carlos Acosta, junior defender Mark Anderson, junior defender Will Gabbert, sophomore defender Marcos Leon and junior midfielder Jake Sells all have logged heavy minutes early in their careers. Lack of experience will not be an excuse.

Soenksen and DeFeyter rise to the top in any discussion about leadership and inspiration on this Bulldog group. DeFeyter is a team captain and Soenksen is noted as one of the squad’s most tireless workers. The game of soccer is in the blood of Soenksen, a former Lincoln Lutheran standout.

“I’m not sure if many players on our team get more touches than Gideon Soenksen in the offseason,” Weides said. “Those guys set the bar pretty high for working hard. They’re just big time players. They have the skills. They have leadership. They have the drive. They’re good student-athletes.”

While the record of 32-22-3 over the past three seasons sounds good on the surface, the word ‘dissatisfaction’ still comes up among Weides and the players. They’re tired of ending their season in the GPAC quarterfinals.

“Losing in the first round has been really painful for me personally and I'm sure for the team as well,” Soenksen said. “What makes it worse is that we know we have the talent and ability to have won those games but we underperformed when we really needed to play well. I think those two losses will be a huge motivator for us.”

Soenksen’s assessment sounds just like the one given by his head coach.

“I think it really leaves a bad taste in our mouth,” Weides said. “We had been pretty dissatisfied with how we finished and knew we were capable of more. I think that provided a lot of hunger for the offseason. We have a lot of guys who have really worked hard. Whether it was getting touches or working hard in the weight room – we just have guys who are dedicated and want to advance farther and have their season end on a better note.”

A balanced roster without any glaring weaknesses appears poised to do just that. There’s little doubt things will flow a bit differently with the top goal scorer having moved on. DeFeyter and Soenksen both point to the potential benefits of being able to play more as a team. They admit they will miss Douglas, but now they won’t have the thought of always playing off of him.

Where does the offensive production come from now for a team that got more than one-third of its goals from Douglas in 2013? Soenksen expects himself to score more and Weides sees goals coming from a host of different players.

Just as important, Concordia does not planning on conceding much on the other end. The Bulldogs came close to holding their opponents scoreless throughout an unbeaten spring season. The pieces are in place to succeed in all facets of the game.

Soenksen sees a team that will be a pain for opponents.

“Instead of having one single focal point for our attacks and relying on one person to score, we'll have more than one way to attack – through more people,” Soenksen said. “It will make it a lot harder for other teams to defend us. “

The large veteran presence means playing time could be scarce for Concordia’s class of newcomers. However, Weides sees the potential for some freshmen to make an impact. The Bulldogs get a boost from international additions in midfielder Toby Down (Hong Kong, China) and forward Sam Toufique (East Kilbride, Scotland).

Picked to finish fifth in the GPAC, Concordia kicks off the 2014 season at home with Bethany College visiting Seward on Friday (Aug. 29) for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Men’s soccer makes 2014 debut with Friday and Saturday home games

LIVE WEBCAST

SEWARD, Neb. – Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides is ready to showcase a Concordia men’s soccer squad that he says is likely the “deepest team I’ve had here.” The Bulldogs host Bethany College (Kan.) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and then William Penn University (Iowa) at 4 p.m. on Saturday in a pair of non-conference tilts. Following the weekend, Concordia will go on the road for five-straight matches before returning home Sept. 23 to play Waldorf College.

While the Bulldogs have key seniors like goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan and midfielders Chris DeFeyter and Rajan Kooner, the 2014 season may go as far as a large and experienced junior class can take them. At the head of that class is midfielder Gideon Soenksen, a blossoming star. Other juniors such as Mark Anderson, Sean Doran, Will Gabbert, Justin Lawrie, Jake Sells and Dean Stevens are no strangers to the starting lineup.

Concordia hopes to break into the top four of the conference after finishing fifth and again ending the season in the GPAC quarterfinals in 2013. With one of the more veteran teams in the GPAC, the Bulldogs believe they are more than capable of out-performing their preseason placement of fifth in the league.

Both Bethany and William Penn are opponents Concordia has seen in recent years. The Bulldogs opened the 2012 season by topping William Penn 3-0 on the road. Last year Bethany tagged Concordia with a 3-0 defeat just before the start of conference action. Bethany, a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, went 5-1-3 on the road last season on the way to a 9-5-4 overall. Meanwhile, William Penn, a member of the Midwest Collegiate Conference, is 1-0 this season following an 8-11-1 (2-6-1 away mark) season in 2013.

After playing back-to-back days this weekend, Concordia has a week off before another similar stretch next Friday and Saturday with two neutral contests in Hastings, Neb.

Bulldogs ride early goal to season-opening shutout victory

SEWARD, Neb. – Up against a team that won last year’s meeting by a 3-0 score, the Concordia University men’s soccer team tightened its grip defensively and opened up the 2014 season with a 1-0 win over visiting Bethany College (Kan.) on Friday night. A goal from transfer Julian Amaya and the fifth-career shutout from keeper Brendan Buchanan made it a successful night under the lights inside Bulldog Stadium.

Friday night’s contest marked a sharp contrast from last September when the Swedes won handily in Seward.

“Both teams were pretty similar (to last year),” Weides said. “They didn’t lose many players and we didn’t lose many either. I think one of the biggest differences was we were much better defensively as a whole unit. We pressed much better defensively and that was a big thing.”

The Bulldogs did so even with the absence of a key defender in sophomore Mark Campbell. With a team Weides says is as deep as he’s coached at Concordia, the Bulldogs didn’t miss a beat. They even started the game with three newcomers amongst a veteran crew.

Amaya, who appeared in 10 matches last season at Wayland Baptist University, scored the game’s lone goal when he tucked the ball inside the left post off a through ball from junior midfielder Gideon Soenksen. The goal was the first of the collegiate career for Amaya, who, along with the likes of Toby Down, Micah Lehenbauer and Sam Toufique, made their Bulldog debuts.

Soenksen says the team’s play on Friday was an improvement from anything seen in preseason camp.

“I think tonight, first half especially, we played really well,” Soenksen said. “We’ve gone through preseason and played all right. We stepped it up tonight. That early goal really helped us out and we just hung on to that lead.”

Moving on without all-time leading goal scorer Nathan Douglas, who graduated after 2013-14, the Bulldogs impressed their seventh-year head coach in the way they adapted. His squad did not have the chance to simply ease into the 2014 season with Bethany, 9-5-4 last season, visiting town.

“I think it was a good first test. Bethany’s a good team,” Weides said. “They tested us well but ultimately I think our guys did well. What I think we need to continue to do, rather than relying on one, we rely on many. I think we’ll get goals from all over the place now.”

Senior captain and 2013 second team all-conference choice Chris DeFeyter led Concordia with four shots, including a pair that was placed on frame. Amaya was also active with three total shots. The native of Bogota, Columbia, showed off some theatrics when given space on the attacking end.

Bethany managed nine shots to Concordia’s 16.

The Bulldogs turn around quickly to host William Penn University (Iowa) at 4 p.m. on Saturday prior to a stretch of five-straight games on the road. Concordia and William Penn last met in the season opener of 2012 when Weides’ squad came away with a 3-0 road win in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Soenksen admits that playing back-to-back days will be challenging physically.

“I know I’m not where I need to be fitness-wise but some of the boys are in real good shape,” Soenksen said. “I don’t think we’re where we want to be yet. It will be a bit of a struggle, but we’ll get through it.”

Weides believes his team will compensate with its significant depth.

“This early in the season we’re not prepared for that. We’re still getting our legs underneath us,” Weides said. “It will be a real challenge (Saturday) – a little bit of a war of attrition. This is where we test our depth.”

Double overtime PK goal sends Bulldogs to first defeat

SEWARD, Neb. – Playing for the second time in as many days, the Bulldogs went to two overtime sessions with visiting William Penn University (Iowa) before falling by a 1-0 score. The Statesmen (2-0) stole a road win with a penalty kick goal by Milo Bruce-Burgess in the 102nd minute, marking the first tally allowed this season by Concordia in two games.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ team slipped to 1-1 overall.

“We didn’t bounce back as well as we hoped,” Weides said, referring to the quick turnaround after Friday night’s 1-0 win over Bethany College. “It’s early in the season and we’re just not quite there. I think this gave us a benchmark of where we need to go. Overall it just wasn’t quite the performance we needed.”

A hand ball in the box set up the penalty kick opportunity for Bruce-Burgess with 8:35 remaining in the second overtime. The native of Brockenhurst, England, scooted the ball to the left of Bulldog keeper Brendan Buchanan, who dove in the opposite direction. Buchanan finished with seven saves a day after recording his fifth career shutout.

Concordia narrowly missed on golden goal opportunities in the first overtime session on three occasions involving junior midfielder Gideon Soenksen. He missed left just outside the six-yard box and then later delivered two well-placed corner kicks that found Will Gabbert. One of his attempts was sent away by the quick reflexes of William Penn keeper Mason Bandy.

“We had a couple chances in overtime,” Weides said. “One we slipped through and went just wide of the frame. Then we had back-to-back corners that we almost scored on. To be fair, the keeper made some outstanding saves. We had a header from about seven yards out, point blank, and it was going to the back of the net. The keeper just got a touch on it and pushed it wide.”

Bandy made two notable saves in the first half, denying shots from Soenksen. Bandy saved a header from Soenksen in the in the 10th minute. Roughly two minutes later, Soenksen had a great chance when he wrestled himself free from a defender and lofted the ball towards the left post. The shot inside the box was thwarted by a diving Bandy.

The Bulldogs breathed sighs of relief on several occasions late in the first half. Aggressive Statesmen attacker Angelo Kelly narrowly missed to the left of the goal late in the middle of the first half and then later to the right of the goal on a one-on-one chance near the 60-minute mark. William Penn finished with a 22-11 advantage in shots.

Having played roughly 20 hours earlier, Weides used more of his bench on Saturday. A total of 18 Bulldogs saw action on Saturday. Sophomore Andrew Mussell made his collegiate debut, getting minutes in the backfield.

“We knew we would have to dive into our bench even more than we did last night,” Weides said. “We had about 20 hours to bounce back from an intense game. I think where our fitness level is at right now showed a little bit.”

Next up for the Bulldogs is another Friday-Saturday weekend slate, Sept. 5-6. Concordia will play two neutral contests in Hastings, Neb., beginning with Hannibal La-Grange (Mo.) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and ending with Saint Francis University (Ill.) at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Weides’ squad will not return home until Sept. 23 when it welcomes Waldorf College (Iowa) to town.

Second-straight double overtime contest culminates in defeat

HASTINGS, Neb. – For the second-straight outing, the Concordia University men’s soccer team dropped a double overtime decision. In their latest contest, the Bulldogs fell 3-2 after being victimized by Odilon Junior’s golden goal in the 108th minute to send Hannibal La-Grange (Mo.) to victory on Friday night.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ Bulldogs slipped to 1-2 overall on the young season.

“It was a progression forward. Ultimately it was a loss, but I felt it was a step forward for us,” Weides said. “Hannibal La-Grange is a good team. We knew they would test us. I thought our play was really improved. We started to play the type of style we’re striving for.

“The disappointing thing was how poorly we played the first half. It took us about 35 minutes to settle in. Once we did we played well like we’re capable.”

Concordia grabbed a late lead over its foe from the American Midwest Conference when senior midfielder Rajan Kooner deposited the ball into the back of the net right at the start of the 85th minute. Less than 90 seconds later the Trojans responded with Felipe Mendes’ goal to force overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime, Hannibal La-Grange ended the game in the second extra session with 2:15 left on the clock. Nil Lamana played a cross into Junior, who headed in the game winner.

Despite another difficult loss to stomach, Weides liked the overall play he got up and down the group of 16 players that saw action on Friday.

“I thought Rajan Kooner played really well,” Weides said. “He did some nice things in the middle and provided a spark off the bench. We had several guys come off the bench and help us. Jake Sells played in his first game of the season and also gave us a little spark.”

Hannibal La-Grange went to the halftime locker with a 1-0 lead on the strength of Manuel Saez’s 33rd-minute goal. Concordia got the equalizer in the 60th minute when junior Gideon Soenksen dribbled past a defender and drilled the ball into the back of the net.

The evenly-played game was reflected by the equal number of shots, 14, for both teams. The Bulldogs put nine shots on frame, giving Daniel Finkle the opportunity to make seven saves. Meanwhile, senior Brendan Buchanan made a pair of saves for Concordia.

Both Kooner and center back Sean Doran fired off three shots. Three other Bulldogs attempted two shots apiece.

The Bulldogs turn around quickly to play the University of Saint Francis University (Ind.) in Hastings at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Saints are 2-0 with wins over John Brown University (Ark.) and Shawnee State University (Ohio).

“I think it will be tough,” Weides said. “Out of all the teams here in Hastings, we’ve got the shortest turnaround. St. Francis is a good team. We don’t have a chance to rest. Saturday’s game will really test our fitness and our depth. I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond. St. Francis has some good attacking players that will test us defensively.”

Men’s soccer drops third-consecutive contest by a single goal

HASTINGS, Neb. – For the third-straight game, the Concordia University men’s soccer team came up agonizingly short. In a neutral match in Hastings, Neb., on Saturday, the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) rode an early goal to a 1-0 victory.

The Bulldogs, 1-3 overall, have suffered three losses by just a single goal since topping Bethany College in their season opener. A pair of red cards at about the 60-minute mark on Saturday forced Concordia to play down two men the rest of the way. That’s when head coach Jason Weides’ group actually played its best.

“We played well from that moment on,” Weides said. “The guys that were out there really played with heart. We were better in possession in that last 30 minutes and held the ball well. We worked really hard. I was really proud of how they handled that.”

The game’s only goal came in the second minute when the Bulldogs failed to mark a Cougar attacker, who headed a cross into the net from roughly eight yards out. Concordia goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan had little chance to react.

The rest of the way, Buchanan did well to give the Bulldogs a chance. Despite a shot count that significantly favored Saint Francis, Concordia stayed with its opponent from the Crossroads League. Weides commended Buchanan for one save in particular when he denied a Cougar shot in a one-versus-one situation.

Concordia had a great opportunity late to equalize when one of its shots hit the post.

Despite a pair of losses over the weekend, Weides sees a Bulldog team that does not have far to go to turn close defeats into victories moving forward.

“We learned that we are close,” Weides said. “It’s not like we’re a mile away from being a good team. We have to do the little things that separate teams. We need to tighten things up a bit. We’ve had moments in all three of our losses where we could have taken the game. We just didn’t capitalize. We’re better than our record shows right now. We feel like we’re still progressing as a team.”

The Bulldogs have three more road games coming up before returning home on Sept. 23. Next up is a date at Sterling College (Kan.) on at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12. The Warriors own a record of 0-3.

Soenksen’s first career multi-goal game powers blowout road win

STERLING, Kan. – After suffering three-straight losses by a single goal, the Concordia University men’s soccer team dominated Friday’s contest in earning a 4-1 victory over host Sterling College (0-4) in Sterling, Kan. Junior Gideon Soenksen enjoyed a big evening, notching his first career multi-goal game as well as an assist to fuel the Bulldogs in their first true road game of 2014.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad bumped its overall record to 2-3 on the season.

“We did well in possession and really moved the ball,” Weides said. “We were able to spread things all over the field. Sterling was constantly chasing the ball. Once we got that first goal we really took control.”

The game went deep into the first half before junior forward Dean Stevens found the back of the net in the 37th minute for his first goal of the season and seventh of his career. That score, assisted by senior Chris DeFeyter, set off the dominoes as the Bulldogs poured it on in a big second half.

Soenksen got his first of two goals in the 48th minute with an impressive finish after a deflection off the post. The Lincoln native drilled a bicycle kick for what Weides called a “really well taken goal.” Roughly 12 minutes later he scored again off the assist from senior Daniel Moore. Soenksen’s three goals on the season are already a career high. He drilled two goals in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.

“He’s in a more advanced position compared to last year when he was playing outside back,” Weides said of Soenksen. “He definitely has the ability to score and set other people up.

“But honestly, we had guys playing well all over the field. They really stepped up and were ready to play today.”

Then in the 65th minute, junior midfielder Marcelino Varona got on the board with his first career goal. The native of Olathe, Kan., snuck behind the Sterling defense, found himself one-on-one with Warrior keeper Nick Seeley and calmly tucked the ball inside the right post.

Varona’s goal sealed up the victory and provided the type of comfortable margin the Bulldogs had hoped for after three-consecutive gut-wrenching defeats.

“We knew we were one game away from turning things around,” Weides said. “This is a real confidence booster. We feel really good about this performance. We put away goals and a lot of different guys contributed. This definitely will help us build confidence.”

The only thing to go wrong on Friday was a late own goal that prevented Concordia from locking up its second shutout of the season. It was an otherwise great day for senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who made seven saves while playing all 90 minutes.

The shot count of 16-12 in favor of the Bulldogs did not necessarily reflect how thoroughly Concordia outplayed its foe from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Several Warrior shots came late with the game already in hand for the Bulldogs.

Stevens piled up the most shots of any player in the game with five. Soenksen was particularly efficient with two of his three shots going for goals.

The Bulldogs continue play from the state of Kansas on Saturday when they battle Friends University at 4 p.m. The Falcons are 2-1 with victories over Bacone (Okla.) and Oklahoma Wesleyan. A live webcast will be available HERE.

“Friends is a good team,” Weides said. “They will really challenge us. They beat us 3-0 last year by scoring some quick goals. They beat the No. 4 team in the nation so it’s a really tough test. It only gets more difficult for us.”

Double overtime battle results in scoreless draw at Friends

WICHITA, Kan. – For the third time in the season’s first six games, the Concordia University men’s soccer team played a double overtime game. Neither the Bulldogs nor host Friends University could muster a goal in 110 minutes of action in Saturday’s contest held in Wichita, Kan.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad moved to 2-3-1 on the season following an encouraging weekend that included a blowout win at Sterling College on Friday.

Ten days after upsetting No. 5 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, the Falcons (2-1-1) needed several nifty saves from goalkeeper Jack Matthews to keep the Bulldogs from stealing a win on the road.

“Their keeper made some outstanding saves throughout the game,” Weides said. “Credit to him. He kept them in it. We were really knocking on the door. After the first 25 minutes or so, we asserted ourselves. It’s frustrating knowing we were that close to getting the result, but I’m proud of how well our guys played.”

Matthews rejected a penalty kick in the first overtime and came up with 10 saves on the afternoon. He came under fire considerably more than Concordia senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who had to make six saves to keep Friends off the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs finished with 17 shots (10 on goal) to Friends’ 13 (six on goal). Individually, freshman Toby Down had the most cracks at it for Concordia. He took five shots, including three that were placed on frame.

“We definitely had our opportunities,” Weides said. “It was still an encouraging weekend overall. If we were tying or losing games and not creating those chances, then I’d be more worried. We’re getting real close.”

Lucas Coelho was most active on the attack for Friends. He entered the contest with three goals over the team’s first three games. On Saturday he fired eight shots – five on goal.

Weides mentioned Marcos Leon, a sophomore defender from Sonora, Mexico, as someone who provided steady minutes off the bench. Leon helped a collective effort that out-shot Friends 14-6 over the final 65 minutes of play.

Saturday’s game proved much different than the meeting last season between the two squads. Friends invaded Bulldog Stadium and walked away 3-0 winners on the exact same date one year ago.

The Bulldogs have a mid-week bye before returning to action next Saturday (Sept. 20) to play Mount Marty College (1-2) in Yankton, S.D. Last season Concordia dominated the Lancers to the tune of a 5-0 score in a home win on Sept. 21.

Buchanan named GPAC defensive player of the week

GPAC Release

SEWARD, Neb. – Coming off a successful weekend in the state of Kansas, Concordia senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. It’s the first weekly honor in the career of Buchanan.

Last week the native of Broomfield, Colo., played all 200 minutes in goal as the Bulldogs defeated Sterling College, 4-1, on Sept. 12 and tied Friends University, 0-0 (2 OT), on Sept. 13. Buchanan made a combined 13 saves and earned his second shutout of the season (sixth career) in the scoreless draw with Friends.

On the season, Buchanan has played every single minute of Concordia’s first six games. Buchanan ranks second in the GPAC in both total saves (33) and saves per game (5.5). His 33 saves are the 12th most among all NAIA goalkeepers. He sports a goals against average of 0.913 and a save percentage of 0.846.

In his career, Buchanan has a record of 18-12-1 with 170 saves over 43 games.

Buchanan and the Bulldogs return to action on Saturday for the GPAC opener at Mount Marty (1-3, 0-0 GPAC). Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m.

Career game for Stevens powers 4-2 win at Mount Marty

YANKTON, S.D. – Junior Dean Stevens had a hand in three of the Concordia University men’s soccer team’s four goals to lead a 4-2 win at Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D., on Saturday afternoon. Despite a slow start, the Bulldogs moved to 2-0-1 over their last three games and opened up conference play by pointing up three points in the league standings.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ Bulldogs are now 3-3-1 overall.

“It was actually a bit of a frustrating game for us,” Weides said. “We struggled to adapt to the field and the grass surface and the wind. We seemed to struggle with the conditions more than they did. It took a while for us to settle in.”

After the Lancers (1-6, 0-1 GPAC) tightened the game with a goal by Genaro Bustillos that made it 2-1 in the 52nd minute, the Bulldogs finally got some late separation courtesy of Stevens. The native of Scottsdale, Ariz., put away a breakaway goal in the 79th minute and then added his second score in the 81st minute to all but put the contest out of reach.

It was the first career multi-goal effort for Stevens.

“Dean played well,” Weides said. “His goals were really important for us to relieve some pressure. It really helped put the game to bed to some extent and give us some breathing room. He stepped up in pressure moments.”

The Bulldogs built a 2-0 first-half advantage with goals from freshman Sam Toufique (23’) and sophomore Marcos Leon (’32). The goal was the first in the career of Toufique, a native of East Kilbride, Scotland, who has started each of the first seven games.

However, the rest of the game was mostly uncomfortable for Weides and company. The Lancers found life after knocking in their first goal.

“We had opportunities to make it 3-0 and didn’t convert,” Weides said. “2-0 is a dangerous lead in soccer. We kind of gifted them a goal with a mistake in the back. It was a game all of a sudden and it was really tight and tense.”

The Bulldogs finished with 13 shots to Mount Marty’s eight. In goal, senior Brendan Buchanan, the GPAC defensive player of the week, played all 90 minutes and made a pair of saves. Toby Down topped Concordia with four shots.

In addition, Weides noted senior Chris DeFeyter for his solid play in the midfield. He fired a pair of shots, including one on frame.

After five-straight games outside of Seward, the Bulldogs return home to host Waldorf College (Iowa) at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Warriors are 1-6 overall. In their most recent contest, they dropped a 1-0 home decision to Northwestern.

Bulldogs extend unbeaten streak to four games in nonconference win

SEWARD, Neb. – Playing at home for the first time since Aug. 30, the Concordia University men’s soccer team got past a Waldorf College squad much more dangerous than their 1-6 record indicated entering Tuesday’s contest. The Bulldogs rode a 54th-minute header from junior Sean Doran and their third shutout of the season to a 1-0 win over the visiting Warriors.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad is now 3-0-1 over its last four games and 4-3-1 overall this season.

“Overall I thought we played really well,” Weides said. “Waldorf is a high-energy team that battles hard for 90 minutes. It doesn’t make it easy at all. At times I thought we played really well. Some of our best combination play happened throughout this game. We just couldn’t quite get that final pass or shot off to put it in the back of the net, but I thought we created some decent chances and held possession well.”

While everyone else seemed to be stuck in quicksand, Doran reacted quickly off Gideon Soenksen’s penalty kick that was saved by Warrior goalkeeper Erubey Ponce shortly after halftime. The rebound kicked up into the air allowing Doran, all by himself, to get underneath the ball and head it inside the left post for his first goal of the season and eighth of his career. Soenksen set up the goal by drawing a foul in the box.

The final 25 to 30 minutes brought some tense moments as the Warriors produced more of their chances during this time frame. When under fire, Buchanan answered the call. He made seven saves to earn his third shutout of the season and seventh of his career.

For much of the evening, Buchanan was kept clean by the stellar work of the likes of sophomore defender Mark Campbell and sophomore holding midfielder Marcos Leon, among others.

“I think we did a really good job of team pressing,” Buchanan said. “We defended really well and that made my job easy. From the front to the back I think we were really organized and played well as a team.”

Concordia created chances in its effort to take a first-half lead. Most promising among those opportunities was a 26th-minute attack by Soenksen in which he split a pair of defenders for a one-on-one shot at the keeper. Waldorf’s Erubey Ponce denied Soenksen by lunging forward into the shot. Soenksen finished with five shots to lead the Bulldogs. As a team, Concordia fired 15 shots, one fewer than Waldorf.

Tuesday’s effort was another step in the right direction for a Bulldog team that has responded impressively after dropping three games by a single goal prior to its current run of four-straight games without a loss.

“I think we’ve started to turn the corner,” Weides said. “I think we see progress. Our guys had a good mental attitude despite some of the tough challenges. We found ourselves in difficult situations with overtime games. We’re really close to having a much better record. I’m really pleased with our resiliency.”

Waldorf, a member of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference, got its only win of the season when it defeated Mount Mercy College by a 5-2 score on Sept. 2. Mount Mercy has won six in a row since and is 8-1 overall.

The Bulldogs return to conference action on Saturday when they host Morningside (3-5, 0-1 GPAC) at 1:30 p.m. Concordia will look for a similar result as last season when it defeated the Mustangs 5-1 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Concordia welcomes elementary club team: The Belmont Elementary Soccer Club team attended Tuesday night’s game inside Bulldog Stadium. The elementary students had the opportunity to walk out with the team during introductions and also get photos and autographs from the Bulldogs after the game.

“That was a pretty cool experience,” Buchanan said. “You see a lot of that on TV in pro games with walking out with the kids. It’s a great experience for us but I think it’s really cool for the kids. Hopefully we made their time enjoyable. It was a lot of fun for us to interact with the kids.”

Men’s soccer welcomes Morningside Saturday to begin GPAC home slate

SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs will look to extend their four-game unbeaten streak when they entertain Morningside (3-6, 0-1) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad hopes to complete a perfect week at home. On Wednesday Concordia picked up its third shutout of the season and won 1-0 over Waldorf College (Iowa) on the strength of Sean Doran’s 55th-minute goal.

GAME INFO
Morningside (3-6, 0-1 GPAC) at Concordia (4-3-1, 1-0 GPAC)
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1:30 p.m.
Site: Seward, Neb.
Stadium: Bulldog Stadium
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network

Over the past four games, the Bulldogs are 3-0-1 and have outscored their opponents 9-3. Included in the run were wins over Sterling College (4-1), Mount Marty (4-2) and Waldorf (1-0) and a draw with Friends University (0-0). All three losses have come by a margin of just a single goal. In major statistical categories, Concordia ranks second in the GPAC in fewest goals allowed per game (1.0), third in shots on goal per game (6.88) and saves per game (5.25), fourth in assists per game (1.0) and shots per game (13.63) and fifth in goals scored per game (1.5).

The Bulldogs’ 12 goals have come from eight different players. Gideon Soenksen and Dean Stevens are tied for the most goals with three apiece. Soenksen tops the Bulldogs with nine points and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan ranks 20th among all NAIA players with 42 saves on the season. He’s also 35th with 5.25 saves per game. He has played every minute in goal and now has three shutouts this season and seven for his career. His results have been bolstered by steady defensive play from the likes of Mark Campbell and holding midfielder Marcos Leon.

Through nine games, Morningside has been outscored by a combined total of 20-8. The Mustangs own wins over Cornerstone (Mich.), 1-0, Viterbo (Wis.), 3-1, and Ottawa (Kan.), 1-0. Those three victories came in succession from Sept. 5-13. Head coach Tom Maxon’s club opened up conference play with a 5-1 loss to GPAC power Hastings on Sept. 21.

Seven of the team’s eight goals have come from the combination of Joao De Camargo Soares (4) and Forrest Maxon (3). Soares and Maxon are the top offensive weapons for a squad that has taken the fewest shots per game (7.44) of any GPAC member. Mustang opponents hold a 167-67 combined advantage in shots.

Last season Concordia overwhelmed Morningside, 5-1, in a game played in Sioux City, Iowa, on Sept. 29. The Bulldogs got two goals from Chris DeFeyter and one apiece from Nathan Douglas, Marcos Leon and Dean Stevens. Morningside was held scoreless until an 89th-minute goal.

Down notches first career goal as Bulldogs push unbeaten streak to five

SEWARD, Neb. – With two goals in the opening 20 minutes, the Concordia University men’s soccer team appeared to be on its way to picking apart Morningside in the manner that it did a year earlier. However, the Mustangs knocked in a 47th-minute goal and made things tense the rest of the way before the Bulldogs ultimately prevailed, 2-1, inside Bulldog Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The victory moves head coach Jason Weides’ squad to 5-3-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Concordia is now 4-0-1 over its last five games.

“We knew Morningside was a good team and we knew they would test us,” Weides said. “Fortunately we played well in the first half. We really had the bulk of possession and chances and had Morningside on the back of their feet. We just couldn’t get that extra goal to help finish the game off. Credit to Morningside. I thought they came out really well in the second half and made some good adjustments.”

The two teams were dead even in terms of total shots with 11 apiece. The Mustangs took a lot of their best chances over the final 45 minutes. The steady play of Concordia goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan proved big when he made a diving save moving to his right on a shot from Ben Karloff in the 67th minute. Then in the 74th minute, the Mustangs’ Jesse Rodriguez hit the right post on a clear look inside the box. Concordia could once again exhale.

Those nerve-racking moments would have been difficult to forecast early on. Concordia took the lead in the 14th minute when Julian Amaya played a pass from Sam Toufique and found the back of the net for his second goal of the season. In the 20th minute, Toby Down registered his first career collegiate goal off an assist from senior Chris DeFeyter. The game suddenly looked a lot like the 5-1 Bulldog win over Morningside in 2013.

Down, who also came close to a 60th-minute goal that would have provided more breathing room, could provide a nice goal-scoring weapon the rest of the way now that he got his first one on the board.

“It’s a long time coming. I’ve been trying to get this goal for a while,” said Down, a native of Hong Kong, China. “I’m happy the team had a good performance in the first half. We should have had a better performance in the second half, but we got the win.”

The biggest positive from Saturday’s victory was how Concordia clicked from the opening kickoff.

“We came out of the gates firing,” Weides said. “This season we’ve actually started slow in games and worked our way into and played better in second halves. This game it was flipped. I thought our guys were buzzing right away from the whistle.

“Toby took a nice goal. He’s put himself in good positions throughout this year. We knew once he got the first the floodgates would open.”

Joao De Camargo Soares got Morningside right back into the game with his goal in the 47th minute. De Camargo Soares led the Mustangs with four shots.

The Bulldogs return to their home turf on Wednesday to host York College (6-3-1) at 7 p.m. in what will be the final regular-season nonconference game. Last season Concordia defeated the Panthers 6-2 in York.

Buchanan nets second GPAC honor in three weeks

GPAC release

SEWARD, Neb. – For the second time in three weeks, senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week. The native of Broomfield, Colo., received the same honor on Sept. 16.

With Buchanan playing every minute in goal so far this season, the Bulldogs (5-3-1, 2-0 GPAC) rank as the second most difficult team in the GPAC to score (1.0 goals allowed per game). Last week Buchanan made 11 saves and gave up just a single goal over 180 minutes of action, spanning two Concordia wins. The 1-0 blanking of Waldorf College (Sept. 23) marked Buchanan’s third shutout of the season.

Buchanan currently ranks 21st in the NAIA with 46 saves on the year. He also comes in at No. 41 nationally with 5.11 saves per game. His 0.941 goals against average is the best of his four-year career at Concordia.

Buchanan and the Bulldogs return to action on Wednesday (7:30 p.m.) to host nonconference rival York College (6-4-1). Concordia will carry an unbeaten streak of five games (4-0-1) into Wednesday night’s contest.

Four different Bulldogs score as unbeaten streak runs to six

SEWARD, Neb. – Heated rivals going back many years, the Concordia University men’s soccer team and York College met again on Wednesday night in what was mostly a civil affair. The Bulldogs got the best of their neighbor to the west, winning by a count of 4-0 underneath the lights in Seward. Concordia used four different goal scorers to make it anticlimactic in the second half.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad ran its unbeaten streak to six games and improved its overall record to 6-3-1 on the season. The Bulldogs have won four of their first five home contests.

“Honestly I think it’s one of the oldest rivalries in Nebraska soccer,” Weides said of the matchup with York. “We’ve been playing every year since 1973. There have been years where Concordia has really good teams and years where York has really good teams. It’s been really good rivalries back and forth.”

Like the win four days earlier over Mount Marty, Concordia got off to another quick start. Senior Chris DeFeyter, a 2013 second team all-conference choice, found the back of the net for the first time this season with his goal in the 14th minute. DeFeyter played a soft touch from Julian Amaya from the top of the box and unleashed the shot into the net.

Even with the Panthers focused on playing a defensive game by packing it in on the Concordia attacking end, freshman Toby Down knocked one home for the second-straight game. Down (Hong Kong, China) struck the ball violently from just outside the box, past a diving keeper off the assist from Gideon Soenksen in the 24th minute.

Concordia essentially put the game away when Amaya stole the ball from a York defender and sped down the left side for a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper. Amaya simply tapped the ball past drawn out keeper Luis Sanchez for his third goal of the season.

“It was a good goal because I pressed the defenders,” Amaya said. “When I got the ball I tried to attack to the middle. Suddenly I just saw the keeper come out. When the keeper came out I just had one second to say, ‘should I shoot the ball or go right at him?’ I chose the right option.”

The Bulldogs had one more goal in them. Sophomore Carlos Acosta put an exclamation mark on the victory with his first goal of the season, coming in the 57th minute. That scored allowed Weides to empty the bench as 24 players saw action on the night for Concordia.

Acosta and DeFeyter became the 10th and 11th unique goal scorers this season for the Bulldogs.

“I think it’s really helpful for us to know that our goals can come from more than one source,” Weides said. “If someone’s having an off game, someone else can score. It makes it tough for our opponents. They can’t just gameplan around one guy.”

The Panthers did not even register a shot until the beginning of the 67th minute when reserve keeper Mark Horsburgh saved a shot from Job Yapp. Concordia held a 25-3 advantage in shots for the game. Starting keeper Brendan Buchanan and Horsburgh split the 90 minutes in half in helping Concordia to its fourth shutout on the season.

Concordia’s active six-game unbeaten streak (5-0-1) is the longest for the program since a seven-game run (5-0-2) in October 2011.

The Bulldogs return to GPAC action on Saturday with a road contest at Dordt (5-4, 1-1 GPAC). Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. from Sioux Center, Iowa. The Defenders have won the last two meetings, including a 2-0 decision the last time the two squads played at Dordt.

DeFeyter flair not enough in loss at Dordt

By Taylor Mueller, Athletic Communications Assistant

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – A slow start combined with struggles on the road against a strong Dordt team made for an unfavorable result as the Concordia University men’s soccer squad dropped its fourth loss of the season, snapping a six-game unbeaten streak. The Defenders prevailed, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon.

Having struggled at Dordt in recent years, the Bulldogs (6-4-1, 2-1 GPAC) quickly found themselves in a slugfest that had them on their heels early.

Dordt opened things up with the first score of the contest in the 14th minute on a missed clearance opportunity by the Bulldogs, allowing for an early 1-0 lead.

“We started out sluggish,” head coach Jason Weides said. “They made a nice shot. I thought we panicked a little bit early and rushed things. We settled in after their first goal and had some good combination plays. We responded well mentally.”

Concordia’s second goal was a sight to behold, as senior Chris DeFeyter answered with a SportsCenter-worthy highlight bicycle kick off an assist from freshman Sam Toufique to knot things up at 1-1 in the 27th minute.

“It was just a really nice goal,” Weides said. “At that point we had settled in and it felt like we had changed the tide.”

The game remained tied heading into the halftime, but once again, Dordt was prepared to play, and scored just two minutes into the second half to take a 2-1 advantage. It wouldn’t be until the 67th minute that the Bulldogs would again answer with another goal from DeFeyter, this time unassisted.

“After they went up 2-1 I thought we responded well again,” Weides said. “We were able to get another goal from Chris. He dribbled in and shot it off his right foot. We felt like we had the momentum in our hands. We missed on some chances to make it 3-2 and they ended up taking the lead late on a bit of a breakdown defensively. We pushed and pushed but we just couldn’t equalize.”

With wins at Dordt having been tough to come by in recent years, Weides admitted that he was unsure as to why the Bulldogs have struggled on the Defenders’ home pitch.

“I don’t know what it is,” Weides said. “They have one of the best grass fields that we play on. In recent years we’ve struggled at Dordt. They’re our kryptonite. Every time we seem to surrender a goal early and have to fight back. We’ve handled them pretty well at home but we have not played well at their place.”

“Dordt is a much better team than last year,” Weides said. “They are better in possession and they’re a team that never quits. They probably created five decent chances today and they scored on three of them. They took their chances well.”

Despite the recent emergence of Defeyter’s goal scoring (three goals in the last two games), the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize, though Weides was pleased with his senior’s effort on the night.

“It was good to see Chris get on the board the other day and then with two more goals today,” Weides said. “We knew it would come for him. We’re just disappointed that individual performance didn’t translate to a better result. Chris would tell you that he would rather not score if it means we win the game. His first goal was a SportsCenter type of highlight. It’s just disappointing not to get the result.”

The Bulldogs will return to their home turf for their next match when they host Doane (1-7-1, 1-2 GPAC) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Highlight reel goal propels DeFeyter to weekly GPAC honor

GPAC release

SEWARD, Neb. – Midfielder Chris DeFeyter caught the attention of GPAC observers with his highlight reel goal in the Concordia University men’s soccer game at Dordt College on Oct. 4. The impressive play helped DeFeyter earn GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors, as announced by the league on Tuesday. DeFeyter joins senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan as Bulldogs who have earned weekly men’s soccer accolades this season.

DeFeyter tallied three goals last week as the Bulldogs defeated York College, 4-0, and fell, 3-2, at Dordt. The three goals were the first of the season for the Scottsdale, Ariz., native, who now has 12 career goals in 61 games. DeFeyter drew praise for his 28th-minute goal at Dordt in which he played a touch off his shoulder and his head and then drilled a bicycle kick inside the right post. He went on to score once more in the game for his second career mulit-goal effort.

Last season DeFeyter tallied a career high six goals and was named second team all-conference.

DeFeyter and the Bulldogs (6-4-1, 2-1 GPAC) return to action on Wednesday when they host rival Doane (2-7-1, 2-2 GPAC) at 7:30 p.m.

DeFeyter goal salvages 1-1 tie in double overtime affair with Doane

SEWARD, Neb. – Playing in a rivalry that has frequently resulted in overtime affairs, the Concordia University men’s soccer team battled Doane for 110 minutes before settling for a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night. The latest Concordia-Doane tilt marked the eighth time in the last 10 meetings that the two sides have needed overtime to decide the outcome.

The Bulldogs finished the night at 6-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 inside conference play (tied with Doane for fifth).

“It’s a passionate rivalry. We’ve been playing each other for a long time,” head coach Jason Weides said. “The last 10 years have been really tight games typically decided by a goal in overtime. This is one of the few times it’s actually ended in a draw.”

After trailing 1-0 for nearly 30 minutes of second-half action, Concordia got the equalizer on a great ball from Marcos Leon that traveled roughly 40 yards. Senior midfielder DeFeyter controlled it from just wide of the left post and fired it into the back of the net to score for the fourth time over the past three games. The 81st-minute goal allowed Concordia to force overtime and eventually secure the tie and one point in the league standings.

“It’s a run. Runs don’t last. I don’t like looking at it like that,” DeFeyter said of his recent goal-scoring binge. “Overall it’s good team play. Everybody’s been moving the ball and I’ve just been finishing. I know other people will step up and finish.”

In a contest in which offensive chances were at a premium (10-7 shot advantage for Concordia), the two overtimes saw physical play but only occasional serious threats. Doane nearly knocked in the golden goal late in the second overtime when a clear look for Aaron Carman hit the cross bar.

Bulldog senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan made two important saves earlier in the game. He preserved a 0-0 tie at the 60-minute mark with a nifty save of a bullet of a shot off the right leg of Isaac Beber. Buchanan’s quick reflexes allowed him to deflect the ball up over the cross bar.

Just a couple of minutes later, the Tigers cracked the scoreboard on a perfectly executed free kick delivered by Gabe Garbin that found TJ Kulawik, who headed the ball past Buchanan in the 53rd minute.

But for most of the night, both defensive efforts dominated a rough and tumble game that included a combined 28 fouls.

“Between us and Doane, we always fight,” DeFeyter said. “There’s always a scrap. Today we came out even but hopefully we’ll meet them in the playoffs and hopefully we’ll come out on top.”

Just after Doane’s goal, junior Gideon Soenksen broke behind the defenders and found himself one-one-one with goalkeeper Casey Clark, who dove on the ball as Soenksen tried to unwind on the shot. Other than DeFeyter’s goal, Soenksen’s run at the net was about as close as Concordia got to putting another tally on the board.

Overall, Weides came away pleased with his team’s energy in yet another nip-and-tuck game that has been common this season.

“It was a hard-earned point,” Weides said. “It was disappointing to not get three points and get a win, but we can’t fault the effort of our guys. I thought we took a step forward as a team.”

The Bulldogs now enjoy the weekend off before returning to action on Wednesday, Oct. 15 when they play at Nebraska Wesleyan (4-7, 1-4 GPAC). In last year’s meeting in Seward, the Bulldogs defeated the Prairie Wolves, 4-2.

Yet another OT contest results in 2-2 tie at Nebraska Wesleyan

LINCOLN, Neb. – A few weeks ago Concordia University head men’s soccer coach Jason Weides commented that his team had already played a season’s worth of overtimes. Coming off a 1-1 double overtime draw with Doane exactly a week ago, the Bulldogs again went to a second overtime as Wednesday’s contest between Concordia and host Nebraska Wesleyan (5-7-1, 1-4-1 GPAC) ultimately ended in a 2-2 tie after 110 minutes of play.

The Bulldogs have now played 10 overtime periods this season. They are 0-2-3 in five overtime games and are 6-4-3 overall and 2-1-2 in GPAC (seventh place) action.

Junior Dean Stevens notched what Concordia hoped would be the game-winning goal with his breakaway score in the 52nd minute (assisted by sophomore Carlos Acosta), giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 edge. But reminiscent of a 3-2 double overtime loss earlier this season with Hannibal La-Grange, Concordia conceded a late goal.

“It’s inexcusable,” Weides said. “We weren’t sharp enough. We had opportunities to kill off the game. We didn’t take them. Even though it’s a tie, it feels like a loss when you give up the lead twice like that.”

The Prairie Wolves forced overtime with Luke Thaller’s first goal of the season with less than a minute-and-a-half left in regulation (89th minute). Thaller got the ball past goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan by heading in a cross from Will Weber.

Stevens nearly tacked on his second goal during overtime, but his header was sent away as part of one of Wesleyan keeper Andy Larson’s eight saves.

“We played a ball over the top to Dean,” Weides said. “He had a header that looked like it was going in. Their keeper made the save of the game. He just got a touch on it.”

Thaller’s late score ended the trading of goals that began with Gideon Soenksen’s unassisted goal on a shot from 15 yards out in the eighth minute. The Prairie Wolves equalized in the 24th minute thanks to Alex Thorson’s unassisted goal.

Concordia finished with a slight 15-12 (10-8 in shots on goal) advantage in shots. The Bulldogs dodged a bullet shortly after Stevens’ goal when a Prairie Wolf penalty kick missed well high and wide of the goal, preserving a 2-1 lead at the time.

The three ties this season are the most for a Bulldog squad since the 2011 edition went 11-5-3. Weides’ squad had sought to defeat Nebraska Wesleyan for the fifth-straight year. That may have been accomplished had Concordia been able to keep its foot on the gas after Soenksen’s early goal.

“We dominated possession for the first half and looked really good the first 20 minutes,” Weides said. “It seemed like we got a little complacent after that first goal. We were still possessing the ball but not in dangerous areas.”

Stevens and Soenksen are now tied with Chris DeFeyter for the team goal-scoring lead (four). While they provided the offensive punch, right back Mark Campbell again played solidly for the Concordia defense.

The Bulldogs return to Bulldog Stadium (4-1-1 at home) on Saturday when they honor their four seniors as part of senior night. Northwestern (10-3-1, 4-2 GPAC) will serve as the opponent for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Last season the Red Raiders won twice over Concordia. The two teams last met in the 2013 GPAC tournament quarterfinals, where Northwestern won 3-2.

Men’s soccer takes on Northwestern in Saturday senior day affair

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team (6-4-3, 2-1-2 GPAC) returns home on Saturday when it hosts senior night. Northwestern will serve as the opponent in a game slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs hope to defend their home turf, where they are 4-1-1 this season and 20-10-1 since the beginning of the 2011 season.

GAME INFO
Northwestern (10-3-1, 4-2) at Concordia (6-4-3, 2-1-2)
Saturday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Site: Seward, Neb.
Stadium: Bulldog Stadium
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network

Head coach Jason Weides’ squad enters the weekend coming off a second-straight draw in conference play. The Bulldogs held leads of 1-0 and 2-1 on the strength of goals from juniors Gideon Soenksen and Dean Stevens in Wednesday’s game at Nebraska Wesleyan. However, Concordia settled for the 2-2 draw when the Prairie Wolves equaled in the 89th minute and both teams went scoreless over two overtime periods. The Bulldogs have already played 10 overtime periods this season and are 0-2-3 in five overtime games.

Concordia has lost just once over its last nine games (5-1-3) since losing three in a row early in the season against nonconference opponents. Over that stretch, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 20-10 and have recorded three shutouts. On the season, Concordia has scored 23 goals and allowed 15. Among GPAC teams, the Bulldogs rank fourth in goals scored per game (1.77) and second in goals allowed per game (1.15).

On an individual level, Weides’ club has featured a diverse and balanced attack. A trio of players – senior Chris DeFeyter, Soensken and Stevens – lead the team with four goals apiece. Sophomore Julian Amaya has three goals and freshman Toby Down has two. In goal, senior Brendan Buchanan, a two-time GPAC defensive player of the week honoree this season, has played all but one half. He has made 57 saves and sports a 1.11 goals against average and .792 save percentage in more than 1,200 minutes of action.

The Red Raiders, led by head coach Dan Swier, have won three-straight contests and five of their last six. Over its last three games, Northwestern has out-numbered its foes by a combined score of 13-1 with wins over Nebraska Wesleyan (Oct. 4), Mount Marty (Oct. 7) and Dakota Wesleyan (Oct. 10). Its two conference losses have come to then No. 19 Midland and Briar Cliff. The Red Raiders feature prolific goal scorer Ryan Johnson, whose 11 goals are the most among all GPAC players. He has 21 goals since the beginning of the 2013 campaign.

Behind Johnson, Northwestern has scored the second most goals (42) of any conference team. It also ranks fifth in the GPAC with 1.50 goals allowed per game.

Introducing the 2014 Concordia men’s soccer senior class

#1 Brendan Buchanan
-Parents: Mark and Mary Buchanan
-Hometown: Broomfield, Colo.

“I loved every minute of it. Whether it was practice, bus rides or games, it was always a good time being with my brothers as a part of the soccer family.”

#14 Chris DeFeyter
-Parents: Robert and Patty DeFeyter
-Hometown: Scottsdale, Ariz.

“My four years have been a great here. One thing I have learned is to accept and move on. There have been great times with friends and always amazing times with my brothers. There have been good and bad situations but time will heal all. It’s been an awesome experience and will miss every day of it.”

#7 Rajan Kooner
-Parents: Rajwant and Papinder Kooner
-Hometown: Surrey, Canada

“I felt right at home at Concordia immediately after I transferred here. I look at this team as a massive family who I'd put everything on the line for. This Hindu loves you all loads and I'll cherish all these moments for the rest of my life.”

#3 Daniel Moore
-Parents: Don and Toni Moore
-Hometown: Fruita, Colo.

“In my time here as a student-athlete at Concordia, I have met people here that I will never forget. I know I can look back and know that the teachers and coaches who have helped me succeed also helped me become a better man. Being part of the soccer team I have gained a family, but more importantly I gained brothers that share the same love for a sport that I do. I appreciate all of what Concordia has given and taught me these past four years.”

Soenksen and Stevens supply firepower in win over Northwestern

SEWARD, Neb. – On a night when the Concordia University men’s soccer team honored its four seniors, the Bulldogs got a pair of second-half goals on the way to a 2-0 blanking of visiting Northwestern (10-4-1, 4-3 GPAC) on Saturday evening. The Bulldogs played one of their best games yet this season in toppling an opponent that had won its previous three games by a combined score of 13-1.

Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad improved to 7-4-3 overall and 3-1-2 in the conference. Concordia sits in sixth place, but is just one point out of fourth and two out of second.

“It means a lot,” Weides said of Saturday’s victory. “We haven’t beat Northwestern for a couple years so our seniors in particular haven’t experienced a win against Northwestern. It was good to see it happen. Northwestern’s a good team. They’re up top in the GPAC. I thought we did well controlling Northwestern. I don’t think they ever really got going.”

Concordia outplayed Northwestern in the first half, but had to settle for a 0-0 tie at the break. The fireworks began soon after play resumed as the Bulldogs cracked the scoreboard in the 51st minute when Chris DeFeyter lofted the ball behind the defense and found Gideon Soenksen for the header. That goal put Soenksen in the team lead with five scores on the season.

About four-and-a-half minutes later, Dean Stevens equaled Soenksen with his fifth goal on the year. The junior from Scottsdale, Ariz., drew a foul in the box and then slotted the ball past Red Raider keeper Aaron Bosch. Stevens saw Bosch lean one way and took advantage to provide the 2-0 lead.

The win was a satisfying one for Stevens and company, who last season saw their campaign come to an end with a 3-2 loss at Northwestern in the GPAC tournament quarterfinals.

“We went to Northwestern last year and it was a super cold night like this,” Stevens said. “As a team we played very, very well. From top to bottom, we worked harder. It’s not just a skill thing. It’s putting the work in. That’s how we beat them.”

Senior Brendan Buchanan had to earn his shutout when the Red Raiders peppered him with a pair of well-struck shots in the 89th minute. Buchanan used his quick reflexes to knock away a couple of quick hitters. He finished with three saves in the process of picking up his fourth shutout this season.

Buchanan has been a key piece of the senior class that has collaborated on a 21-10-1 home record since the start of the 2011 season. Other seniors heavily involved in Saturday night’s win were DeFeyter and Daniel Moore.

“All our seniors did well,” Weides said. “They’ve been huge for us. Not only tonight but throughout the season and throughout their careers they’ve been great components of our program. We’re glad this isn’t the last hurrah. We’ve got several more games to play and hopefully beyond the regular season.”

Concordia finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots as Mark Campbell and the collective defensive effort held down a Red Raider squad that entered the weekend rated second in the GPAC with an average of 3.0 goals per game. Saturday marked just the second time this season that Northwestern has been shut out.

The Bulldogs hit the road on Tuesday to take on second-place Midland (7-6-1, 4-1-1 GPAC) at 7:30 p.m. Concordia last defeated the Warriors, 1-0 in overtime, on Oct. 12, 2011. On Saturday Midland cruised past Mount Marty, 8-1, in Fremont, Neb.

DeFeyter golden goal lifts Bulldogs to double OT win at Midland

FREMONT, Neb. – Sure there have been some frustrating ties and hard-to-swallow overtime losses this season, but the Concordia University men’s soccer team is feeling pretty good about now. Following an impressive 2-0 win over Northwestern on Saturday, the Bulldogs finally got to taste an overtime victory by toppling Midland, 2-1, in Fremont, Neb., in two extra periods on Tuesday night.

The contest came to a conclusion when senior midfielder Chris DeFeyter beat three Warrior defenders and struck a shot from the right side, eluding goalkeeper Shazz Heale for the game winner in the 103rd minute.

“We’ve been in enough overtime games,” head coach Jason Weides said. “I almost forgot what the feeling is like to run on the field and celebrate an overtime win.”

Concordia has now played 12 overtime periods over six overtime games on the year. The Bulldogs had entered play with a record of 0-2-3 in such outings. With the win, they improved to 7-1-3 over their last 11 games, 8-4-3 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play, vaulting them to third in the league standings (one point out of second, two out of first).

After getting the better of play in the first half (8-7 shot advantage), Concordia seemed to lose momentum. Midland (7-7-1, 4-2-1 GPAC) equalized the Bulldogs’ 30th-minute goal roughly six-and-a-half minutes later and just missed its second goal on a few prime opportunities in the second half.

But a determined Concordia squad, led by stellar play in the back from junior Justin Lawrie, figured out a way to win an overtime game.

“Honestly, Midland played better than us for a good chunk of the second half,” Weides said. “They had some good chances. The second half and overtimes really became a grind. It was not pretty. I’m not sure it was the type of style that either team wants to play. Sometimes you have to be able to grind it out.”

In its bid to knock off Midland for the first time since Oct. 12, 2011, the Bulldogs gained the advantage on the road when junior Gideon Soenksen controlled a diagonal pass from junior Mark Anderson and deposited his team-leading sixth goal of the season.

While Soenksen (one goal in three-straight games), DeFeyter and junior Dean Stevens have busted loose of late in the goal-scoring department, Weides called Tuesday’s win a collective effort – much like the performance it took to shutout Northwestern three days earlier.

“They’ve stepped up,” Weides said of the goal-scoring trio. “We’ve got other guys who are also putting themselves in position. The goals are going to come from several different people. This was a great team effort. Everyone put in a great shift.”

Soenksen was active on the attacking end all night, putting up six shots (five on frame). The Bulldogs ended up with a slight 15-14 shot advantage over Midland for the game.

The Warriors’ lone goal came when Jeremy De Hoog got in behind the Concordia defense and drew a penalty in the box. De Hoog then nailed the penalty kick to answer Soenksen’s goal.

In goal, senior Brendan Buchanan played all 102:58 and made six saves.

The Bulldogs will play on the road for the second-straight time when they travel to Sioux City, Iowa, to take on Briar Cliff (6-8, 4-3 GPAC) at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. Concordia has won each of the last four meetings with the Chargers. The Bulldogs won last year’s matchup by a score of 4-0 behind two goals and an assist from Nathan Douglas.

Concordia settles for scoreless tie despite dominating possession

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team dominated possession and did just about everything right on Saturday – except put the ball in the back of the net. Despite a 32-7 advantage in shots, the Bulldogs settled for a 0-0 double overtime tie with Briar Cliff (6-8-1, 4-3-1 GPAC) on a muddy surface in Sioux City, Iowa.

The tie meant head coach Jason Weides’ squad missed an opportunity to leap into second place in the league standings. At 8-4-4 overall and 4-1-3 in the GPAC (15 points), Concordia sits one point behind second-place Doane (5-3-1, 16 points).

The scoresheet provided an accurate picture of the Bulldogs’ frustration on Saturday – 17 shots on frame but no goals.

“It felt like we dominated the game in every fashion, except on the scoreboard,” Weides said. “We just could not get that goal. We held possession very well and created a lot more chances. I think our problem was two-fold – rushing in key moments and their goalkeeper just played great.”

Charger goalkeeper Dan Snider racked up 17 saves, including two in the second overtime. Snider was tested frequently by Bulldog freshman forward Toby Down, who put seven shots on frame as part of an active afternoon.

Weides also got good performances from right back Mark Campbell, center back Justin Lawrie and midfielder Carlos Acosta. Campbell even pushed the ball forward regularly and took five shots.

Their work made life easy on goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who finished with three saves and recorded his fifth shutout of the season. As a team, Concordia has six shutouts.

The Bulldogs have now played in seven overtime games and 14 overtime periods this season. They own a record of 1-2-4 in those contests.

Similar to the feeling after several of its previous ties, Concordia believes it let go of important conference points.

“We missed an opportunity to be in second place free and clear,” Weides said. “It made the standings a lot more challenging for us in terms of the goals we have. Before it was in our hands. Now for us to finish in the top four we may need a little help.

“When you outshoot someone like that, you expect to win.”

The Bulldogs welcome league heavyweight and 12th-ranked Hastings (12-2-2, 7-0-1 GPAC) to Seward on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. In last season’s meeting in Hastings, the then No. 6 Broncos topped Concordia, 3-1. In 2012 the Bulldogs fell just short of an upset bid in a 2-1 home overtime loss to Hastings. Concordia last defeated Hastings in 1998 when Weides was a member of the team.

Buchanan nabs third GPAC weekly honor of 2014

GPAC release

SEWARD, Neb. – For the third time this season, senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. Buchanan received the same honor on Sept. 16 and 30.

The native of Broomfield, Colo., earns his latest accolade after surrendering just a single goal over last week’s pair of road games (Midland and Briar Cliff) that included nearly 213 minutes of action. In the scoreless double overtime draw at Briar Cliff on Oct. 25, Buchanan picked up his fifth shutout of the season by recording three of his nine saves on the week. Buchanan’s five shutouts are tied for the third most in program history (record held by Oly Krenk, who had eight shutouts in 2000).

Led by Buchanan, Concordia ranks second in the GPAC in fewest goals allowed per game (1.0). Buchanan ranks second among league goalkeepers with a 0.95 goals against average. He also sports an .812 save percentage and a career high 69 total saves while starting all 16 games.

In his career, Buchanan has collected 206 saves and nine shutouts in 53 games.

Buchanan and the Bulldogs (8-4-4, 4-1-3 GPAC) return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday when they host No. 12 Hastings (12-2-2, 7-0-1 GPAC).

No. 12 Hastings claims 2-0 win inside Bulldog Stadium

SEWARD, Neb. – A pair of second-half goals gave No. 12 Hastings enough offensive firepower to come away with a 2-0 victory over the Concordia University men’s soccer team inside Bulldog Stadium on Wednesday night. Concordia had hoped to knock off the Broncos (13-2-2, 7-0-1 GPAC) for the first time since 1998.

With the loss, head coach Jason Weides’ squad fell to 8-5-4 overall and 4-2-3 in the GPAC. It was the first Bulldog defeat since a 3-2 decision at Dordt on Oct. 4.

“I thought we did a good job of limiting their shots,” Weides said. “They held possession at times, but when you hold the No. 1 team in the conference to 10 shots or less, you’re doing something right defensively. I thought our guys worked hard. I thought we did some good things defensively, we just weren’t able to get that one goal.”

For most of the night, Concordia kept a powerful Bronco offensive attack (first in the GPAC with 2.84 goals per game) in check. Hastings finally recorded the night’s first goal when Tyler Ortlieb drilled a penalty kick in the 67th minute. That goal came on the heels of a hand-ball call in the box.

Then in the 79th minute, the GPAC powerhouse gave itself some breathing room when Chris Gousios beat the Bulldog defense and knocked in his third goal of the season, making it 2-0 Broncos.

Brendan Buchanan, a three-time GPAC defensive player of the week this season, made a pair of highlight-reel diving saves to keep the Bulldogs close. The Broomfield, Colo., native reacted quickly to a header from Julious Goedhart and denied the shot with a dive to his left in the 44th minute to preserve a 0-0 halftime score. Then at the 77-minute mark, Buchanan outdid himself with another sprawling save to his left.

Buchanan and a Bulldog defense led by junior center back Justin Lawrie again performed solidly. They limited the Broncos to three shots on goal. However, Concordia had only two shots on goal of its own. Sophomore Julian Amaya was most active with three shots to lead the Bulldogs.

After a scoreless draw at halftime, Weides and company were thinking upset.

“It was 0-0 at half and we felt like there was room for improvement for us,” Weides said. “I thought we could play better in the second half and ultimately get our chances. I think we had a few chances throughout the game. Either they came up with a good save or it was blocked along the line.

“Overall I thought we responded well.”

Shutouts are nothing new for a Hastings squad that has now blanked five-straight opponents. The Broncos, led by goalkeeper Alex Guyer, have allowed only one goal over their last nine contests.

The Bulldogs end the regular season on Saturday when Dakota Wesleyan (8-8-1, 3-5-1 GPAC) pays a visit to Bulldog Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. contest. Concordia still has a shot to host a GPAC quarterfinal with a win and some help (top four seeds host). In last year’s game, Concordia defeated Dakota Wesleyan 1-0 in Mitchell, S.D.

Buchanan placed on Capital One Academic All-District® team

CoSIDA release

SEWARD, Neb. – Senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan has been named to the 2014 Capital One Academic All-District ® Men’s Soccer Team, as announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) on Thursday. It’s the first such honor in the career of Buchanan.

CoSIDA: “The Capital One Academic All-District® Men’s Soccer Teams have been released to recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. Capital One has been the entitlement rights holder to CoSIDA’s Academic All-America teams programs since 2011.”

A native of Broomfield, Colo., Buchanan is enjoying his best season in 2014. He has been named GPAC defensive player of the week three times this season and has posted a career high five shutouts, giving him nine shutouts during his 54-game career. The 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete owns a goals against average of 1.01 and a save percentage of .798 for a Concordia team that sports an 8-5-4 overall record.

District 3 of the College Division covers institutions in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Academic All-District® honorees advance to the Capital One Academic All-America® Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team All-America honorees will be selected and then released on Nov. 12.

Northcutt’s first career goal keys 1-0 win to close regular season

By Taylor Mueller, Athletic Communications Assistant

SEWARD, Neb. – Sophomore Nathan Northcutt was all smiles after Concordia’s 1-0 victory over Dakota Wesleyan. The 5-foot-10 native of Dublin, Ireland, punched in his first career goal in a Bulldog uniform and lifted the Bulldogs to a 9-5-4, 5-2-3 GPAC record to close the regular season with a fifth-place league finish.

After a suspenseful first half that resulted in 0-0 tie heading into intermission, it wasn’t until the 61st minute that sophomore Mark Campbell, who also hails from Dublin, Ireland, found his fellow countryman streaking towards the box.

“I had overlapped Sam (Toufique) on the left and I saw Campbell ready to inbound the ball on the right. I just ran as hard as I could to get in the box and as it came in I decided to get my body in front of it and I ended up chesting it and it went in the goal. It was a good feeling,” Northcutt said.

“I’m excited for him,” head coach Jason Weides said. “He made a really good run for it. You don’t see that very often from a right back. It was good commitment. We’ve been saying all week that we need to get more numbers in the box.”

Although the Bulldogs got off 20 shots and took 11 corner kicks, they struggled to find the net, something that will become crucial as they approach the post season.

“We definitely wanted to score more, we thought we could have scored more,” Northcutt said. “I think we’re all a little disappointed that we only came out with a 1-0 win. We had to fight very hard for it in the last ten minutes. I think we’re all happy that we got the three points and happy that we finished off the season with a solid victory.”

Not only was Weides satisfied with the win, but clinching the last regular season game at home made the night special, and provided the Bulldogs with positive momentum as they head into tournament action.

“It’s really good,” Weides said of the win. “You never want to limp into the playoffs, so to finish on a win is good. I think it’s important for our seniors to get a win in their last regular season game on our home turf. It helps to build momentum.”

In a win-or-go-home environment, Weides expressed eagerness and anticipation for an exciting part of the season.

“It makes it fun, it makes it exciting,” Weides said. “Every game is a complete battle. Everyone gets ranked one to eight but at that point, the seeding doesn’t really matter, it doesn’t matter where you play, it’s just whether you show up and perform.”

“I think our guys are well prepared, I think we’ve been getting better throughout the season,” Weides said. “I think we’re really ready for our second season and we’re a team that can legitimately beat any team in our conference. It’s a really difficult conference but we’re just going to show up and make sure that we’re playing at our best level and I think if we do, we’ll be satisfied with our performance.”

As the No. 5 seed, Concordia will travel to play fourth-seeded Doane (6-8-2, 6-3-1 GPAC) at 5 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 6).

“I think we’re a little disappointed that we’re playing on the road instead of here, but I think we’re all ready to go and we’re all ready to work 100 percent to be ready to fight for the postseason and hopefully go far in the GPAC tournament,” Northcutt said.

Concordia defeats Doane, earns GPAC semifinal date at No. 11 Hastings

CRETE, Neb. – A competitive game was to be expected in a rivalry that had seen eight of the previous 10 meetings go to overtime. In another heated and evenly-matched contest, the Concordia University men’s soccer team got past neighbor Doane, 1-0, in Crete on Thursday night to advance to the semifinals of the GPAC tournament.

The fifth-seeded Bulldogs moved to 10-5-4 overall, marking the fourth-consecutive season of 10 wins or more for seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ program. Concordia is heading to the semifinals for the first time since Weides donned a Bulldog jersey in the early 2000s.

Concordia will play at No. 11 Hastings (GPAC champion) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in a semifinal tilt.

“It’s been way too long,” Weides said. “We’ve had teams that were good enough to move past the first round. We just didn’t perform in key moments. I thought our team tonight was well-prepared. They practiced well all week. It’s big for our program.”

Senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan and the Bulldogs survived Doane’s late push on the way to notching their eighth shutout of the season. The host and fourth-seeded Tigers (6-9-2) moved the ball forward into their attacking end in the final minute and produced two shots that were thwarted by Concordia’s backline. Buchanan was then able to milk several seconds before a goal kick with the final minute ticking away.

The game’s lone goal came in the 39th minute when sophomore Marcos Leon of Sonora, Mexico, found the back of the net for the second time this season. Leon gave great minutes in the midfield along with several others who helped make the shutout a reality.

“First off, Brendan played well as he has all season,” Weides said. “He came up with some big saves in critical moments. When you get to this stage you need your goalkeeper to get at least one save that he’s not supposed to make. I thought Brendan did that.

“I also thought our backline did a great job. Doane has some dangerous players and some quick players. The backline and the goalkeeper tend to get credit for shutouts, but I thought we played well top to bottom.”

The competitiveness of Thursday’s game was reflected in the stat sheet that showed a slight 17-15 shot advantage for Doane. Concordia had three corner kicks to the Tigers’ two.

The Bulldogs nearly gave themselves some extra cushion when sophomore Carlos Acosta’s shot hit the crossbar with roughly five minutes remaining in the game. Junior Gideon Soenksen (four shots) and freshman Toby Down (four shots) also tested the Tiger defenders on several occasions.

Buchanan made a pair of saves on the night in picking up his seventh shutout of the season. That number puts him one off the program single-season record of eight shutouts by Oly Krenk in 2000. Chris Podlich also posted seven shutouts in 2011.

Now 42-27-7 over the past four seasons, Concordia is one of four GPAC teams to post at least 10 wins in four-consecutive seasons.

In a regular-season meeting on Oct. 29, then No. 12 Hastings won, 2-0, over Concordia in Seward. The game went scoreless until Tyler Ortlieb’s 67th-minute goal. During the regular season, the Broncos (15-2-2) blazed to a 9-0-1 league mark that included eight shutouts and just two total goals allowed.

“It will be a great challenge,” Weides said of Tuesday’s trip. “They’re a really great team and have accomplished a lot over the last several years. The expectation every year is that all roads lead through Hastings. You know that if you want to get to where you hope to go, you have to beat Hastings. We’re going to have to do it in the semifinals.”

Men’s soccer travels to No. 11 Hastings for GPAC semifinal clash

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team continues its postseason run tonight (Tuesday) when it takes on its biggest challenge yet this season. The Bulldogs travel to play GPAC regular-season champion and No. 11-ranked Hastings at 7 p.m. Frigid temperatures are expected to greet the two rivals as the action gets underway.

The game can be seen live online via Hastings’ Stretch Internet portal.

Head coach Jason Weides knows exactly what his team is up against. Concordia is looking for its first win over the Broncos since 1998.

“It will be a great challenge,” Weides said following the Bulldogs’ quarterfinal win. “They’re a really great team and have accomplished a lot over the last several years. The expectation every year is that all roads lead through Hastings. You know that if you want to get to where you hope to go, you have to beat Hastings. We’re going to have to do it in the semifinals.”

While the Broncos (15-2-2) have not lost since a 5-2 defeat versus No. 16 Kansas Wesleyan University on Sept. 24, Concordia has put together a nice run itself since beginning the season at 1-3. Junior midfielder Gideon Soenksen and the Bulldogs are 9-2-4 since a 1-0 loss on Sept. 6 and are riding high after a 1-0 conference quarterfinal win over Doane.

In the postseason victory in Crete, sophomore Marcos Leon provided the lone goal and another stellar collective defensive effort helped senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan pick up his seventh shutout of the season. He needs one more to tie Oly Krenk’s program single-season record of eight shutouts in 2000.

But Hastings, which rolled past Dakota Wesleyan, 4-0, in its quarterfinal game, has been shut out only once all season. The Broncos, topped by Jake Ramsay’s 13 goals, lead the GPAC with an average of 3.0 goals per game (23rd most among all NAIA teams). As good as Hastings is on the attack, it’s even better at defending its goal. Head coach Chris Kranjc, now in his 16th season leading the program, oversees a squad that ranks fourth nationally in goals against average (0.46).

Led by backline stalwarts Justin Lawrie and Mark Campbell, Concordia kept Hastings off the board until the 67th minute when the two teams met in Seward in Oct. 29. The Broncos won, 2-0, but finished with a shot advantage of only 10-8 in a competitive contest that saw only six total shots on goal. In the victory, Hastings goalkeeper Alex Guyer earned one of his 12 shutouts on the year.

Hastings owns a 9-1 home record with the only loss coming against Kansas Wesleyan. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are 4-1-3 in true road contests (loss at Dordt, 3-2, on Oct. 4).

Concordia (42-27-7 over the last four seasons) and Hastings are two of only four teams (in addition to Midland and Northwestern) in the GPAC that have won 10 or more games in each of the last four seasons.

The winner of tonight’s match will advance to Friday’s GPAC title game and take on either second-seeded Midland (11-7-1) or third-seeded Dordt (13-6).

Concordia (10-5-4)
Goals scored per game: 1.53 (7th in GPAC)
Goals allowed per game: 0.93 (2nd in GPAC)

Individual leaders
Goals: Gideon Soenksen – 6
Assists: Gideon Soenksen – 4
Shots: Toby Down – 44
Shots on goal: Gideon Soenksen – 22
Goalkeeper: Brendan Buchanan – .906 goals against average, .806 save %, 75 saves, 7 shutouts

Hastings (15-2-2)
Goals scored per game: 3.0 (1st in GPAC)
Goals allowed per game: 0.63 (1st in GPAC)

Individual leaders
Goals: Jake Ramsay – 13
Assists: Lucas Venegas – 8
Shots: Jake Ramsay – 66
Shots on goal: Jake Ramsay – 36
Goalkeeper: Alex Guyer – .455 goals against average, .822 save %, 37 saves, 12 shutouts

No. 11 Hastings rallies late, overcomes Buchanan’s big night to stave off upset

HASTINGS, Neb. – Faced with the unenviable challenge of traveling to league powerhouse and 11th-ranked Hastings on a dangerously chilly night, the Concordia University men’s soccer team fell excruciatingly short of pulling off the stunner. The Broncos came from behind for a 2-1 overtime win in Tuesday night’s GPAC semifinal battle.

The Bulldogs led 1-0 from the 13th minute all the way until a Marc Tautz equalizer with just 1:56 left on the clock. The Broncos then celebrated in the 99th minute when leading goal scorer Jake Ramsay perfectly executed a shot at the top of the 18 that barely beat senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who dove to his right.

On a night when Buchanan seemed to be nearly impenetrable, Hastings (16-2-2) did just enough to end the Bulldogs’ season in heartbreaking fashion. Concordia closes 2014 with an overall mark of 10-6-4.

“It was a really good performance top-to-bottom,” head coach Jason Weides said. “We have a lot of disappointed guys because we were so close. Our goal was to get to the final and we fell a little short.

“Our guys poured their hearts out tonight. You can’t fault the effort. We’re walking off the field without any regrets.”

Despite a significant discrepancy in the shot count, it appeared as though the Bulldogs were on the verge of leaving town with their first win over Hastings since 1998. Buchanan repeatedly made highlight-reel, sprawling saves (11 total saves) to frustrate the Broncos. In the 88th minute, the native of Broomfield, Colo., turned in perhaps his most ridiculous denial of the night.

“In these types of games you need your keeper to come up with some big saves and Brendan did that,” Weides said. “He gave us every opportunity to win and advance to the title game. It was a top-notch performance. He’s really playing at an all-conference level. All four of our seniors really played at a high level.”

Just seconds later the Broncos tied the score, 1-1, when Shane Davidson played a cross into the box where Tautz headed in a ball that gave a diving Buchanan little chance.

It was Julian Amaya’s goal that put the powerful Broncos in unfamiliar territory. In the 13th minute, Amaya got loose on a breakaway after intercepting a pass, putting himself one-on-one with Alex Guyer, one of the nation’s top goalkeepers. Amaya slotted it past him for his fourth goal of the season. For the first time all year when up against a GPAC opponent, Hastings trailed at halftime.

The Bulldogs missed an opportunity to extend their lead to 2-0 when Guyer flashed with his biggest save. He dove to his right to deny a penalty kick from senior Rajan Kooner in the 62nd minute. The PK came after junior Gideon Soenksen drew a Hastings foul in the box.

Concordia spent much of the second half simply trying to fend off a Bronco team that played with increased urgency. Hastings outshot the Bulldogs, 14-3, after halftime (24-7 for the game), but it seemed a Concordia defender such as Justin Lawrie or Sean Doran would surface at just the right time to disrupt the Bronco attack. Either that or Buchanan’s instincts and quick reflexes resulted in another save.

The icy-cool conditions may have contributed to a slow offensive start. Neither team registered a shot until Buchanan made an 11th-minute save on a Julius Goedhart strike.

The temperature rested at 17 degrees at kickoff on Tuesday, but a brisk wind made it feel bone-chillingly bitter. The end result didn’t feel much better, but Weides sees no reason for his players to hang their heads.

Said Weides, “I’m really proud of their efforts.”

Hastings has advanced to Friday’s GPAC title game. The Broncos will host second-seeded Midland (12-7-1).

Soenksen’s first team honor highlights men’s soccer all-conference selections

GPAC men’s soccer all-conference teams

SEWARD, Neb. – An honorable mention selection last season, junior midfielder Gideon Soenksen vaulted to the GPAC’s first team as part of conference men’s soccer postseason honors announced on Monday. Senior midfielder Chris DeFeyter and sophomore defender Mark Campbell landed on the second team and two others received honorable mention for head coach Jason Weides’ GPAC semifinalist Bulldogs (10-6-4).

Statistically, Soenksen enjoyed a career best season. The former Lincoln Lutheran High School standout topped the Bulldogs in both goals (six) and assists (four) while playing an attacking midfield. Soenksen recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over Sterling College Sept. 12 for his first career multi-goal effort. A fixture in Concordia’s starting lineup since his arrival, Soenksen has played in all 58 games over the past three seasons, putting up a combined 10 goals and 11 assists.

DeFeyter collects second team all-conference recognition for the second-straight season. The native of Scottsdale, Ariz., contributed five goals (two game winners) and three assists while starting all 20 games. DeFeyter made waves on Oct. 4 when he turned in an impressive bicycle kick goal as part of a two-goal performance at Dordt. DeFeyter finished his career with 14 goals and six assists over 70 games.

Meanwhile, Campbell served as the anchor of a backline that posted eight shutouts and collaborated on a goals against average of 1.0 (second best in the conference). The native of Dublin, Ireland also assisted the only goal in a 1-0 win over Dakota Wesleyan on Nov. 1.

Honorable mention went to both senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan and junior defender Justin Lawrie. Buchanan earned three GPAC defensive player of the week honors during his best collegiate season. Buchanan registered seven shutouts, 86 saves and a goals against average of .950. He nearly led an upset of No. 11 Hastings in the GPAC semifinals by making 11 saves. He was aided all season by Lawrie, who teamed with Campbell in the back.

Buchanan tabbed Capital One Academic All-American

SEWARD, Neb. – One of the GPAC’s top goalkeepers in 2014, senior Brendan Buchanan received a prestigious honor on Thursday. As announced by College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), the Broomfield, Colo., native has been named to the Capital One Academic All-America® Men’s Soccer Second Team of the College Division. Buchanan became eligible for All-America status after earning academic all-district on Oct. 30.

A three-time GPAC defensive player of the week in 2014, Buchanan received honorable mention all-conference honors and is a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. He ranked second among GPAC goalkeepers with seven shutouts and a 0.95 goals against average. He also made a career high 86 saves and turned in a save percentage of .811 as a senior.

During his four-year career, Buchanan made 223 saves and recorded 11 shutouts over 57 games. His career best single-game save total was 17 in a 2-0 shutout win over AIB (Iowa) in 2013. As a senior, he recorded a season high 11 saves in Concordia’s 2-1 GPAC semifinal loss to No. 11 Hastings.

Buchanan is one of three GPAC players to be named an academic All-American. The other two were Northwestern defender Nate Huyser and Hastings forward Jake Ramsay.

The Capital One Academic All-America® College Division soccer teams are comprised of student-athletes from NAIA, Canadian and two-year institutions.

2014 Capital One Academic All-America® College Division Men’s Soccer Teams

FIRST TEAM
GK – Stephen Lunney (1,#,!), Martin Methodist
D – Dylan Bronkema, Indiana Wesleyan
D – Daniel Fredrickson, Corban
D – Kellen Luey, Corban
D – Evan Myers, Cal State-San Marcos
M – Jack Keeling (1), Jamestown
M – Amanuel Weldemicael, Penn State Brandywine
M – Ryan Williams, Madonna
F – Jesse Massucco, Berea
F – Paul Riesthuis, Grand View
F – Jason Walcutt (1), St. Francis (Ind.)

SECOND TEAM
GK – Brendan Buchanan, Concordia (Neb.)
D – Andrew Berg, Thomas
D – Nate Huyser (2), Northwestern (Iowa)
D – Giuseppe Frattaroli (2), Menlo
D – Kyle Reopelle, Olivet Nazarene
M – Dzenan Catic, Davenport
M – Timothy Daniels, Taylor
M – Aleksi Pahkasalo, Lindsey Wilson
F – Sebastian Bosch, Menlo
F – Akram El-Nady, Kansas Wesleyan
F – Jake Ramsay, Hastings

Academic All-America® of the Year: Stephen Lunney, Martin Methodist

(1) – Capital One Academic All-America® first team selection in 2013
(2) – Capital One Academic All-America® second team selection in 2013
(#) – Capital One Academic All-America® second team selection in 2012
(!) – Capital One Academic All-America® of the Year selection in 2013

2013-14 men’s soccer named NSCAA Academic Team

List of NSCAA Team Academic Award winners

SEWARD, Neb. – As announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the Concordia University men’s soccer team has received the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2013-14 academic year. Head coach Jason Weides’ squad, one of 282 men’s soccer teams across the NAIA and all NCAA divisions to collect the honor, combined for a 3.29 GPA.

The 2013-14 Bulldogs landed four individuals on the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete list and was named an NAIA Scholar Team. Then senior Nathan Douglas, one of the four Scholar-Athletes, picked up Capital One Academic All-America Second Team recognition a year after being tabbed a third team academic All-American.

This year’s Concordia squad is on track to place five individuals on the 2014-15 Scholar-Athlete list.

2013-14 Concordia men’s soccer scholar-athletes

Brendan Buchanan, Jr. | Broomfield, Colo. | Secondary Education
Nathan Douglas, Sr. | Winnipeg, Canada | Physics (Math minor)
Skylar Lewis, Sr. | Adel, Iowa | Sports Management/Business Administration
Dane Stahr, Jr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Graphic Design

Men’s soccer places five individuals on Scholar-Athlete list

2014 Daktronics-NAIA Men’s Soccer Scholar-Athletes

SEWARD, Neb. – A total of five Bulldogs found their way onto the 2014 list of Daktronics-NAIA Men’s Soccer Scholar-Athletes, as announced by the NAIA on Friday. Among Concordia University representatives, repeat selection Brendan Buchanan was joined by first-timers in fellow senior Rajan Kooner and juniors Mark Anderson, Justin Lawrie and Nathan Northcutt.

In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status. A total of 413 men's soccer student-athletes across the nation were named scholar-athletes by the NAIA.

Concordia University ranks as the NAIA’s all-time leader in number of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes with 1,056 and counting. During the 2013-14 academic year, Concordia garnered 101 Scholar-Athlete honorees (most in the NAIA) and 17 NAIA Scholar-Teams (tied for fourth nationally).

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb., that currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.

2014 Concordia men’s soccer scholar-athletes

Mark Anderson, Jr. | Morton, Ill. | Physics and Chemistry
Brendan Buchanan, Sr. | Broomfield, Colo. | Secondary Education
Rajan Kooner, Sr. | Surrey, Canada | Business Communication
Justin Lawrie, Jr. | Winnipeg, Canada | Biology and Chemistry
Nathan Northcutt, Jr. | Dublin, Ireland | Psychology and Behavioral Science

Four men’s soccer Bulldogs receive all-Nebraska honorable mention

SEWARD, Neb. – Four players represented the Concordia University men’s soccer team with honorable mention recognition on the Midlands College All-Nebraska team released on Christmas day by the Omaha World-Herald. Both senior Chris DeFeyter and junior Gideon Soenksen have earned the honor for the second-straight year while senior Brendan Buchanan and sophomore Mark Campbell are first time All-Nebraska selections.

Soenksen, a 2014 first team all-conference choice, enjoyed a career best season. The former Lincoln Lutheran High School standout topped the Bulldogs in both goals (six) and assists (four) while playing an attacking midfield. Soenksen recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over Sterling College Sept. 12 for his first career multi-goal effort. A fixture in Concordia’s starting lineup since his arrival, Soenksen has played in all 58 games over the past three seasons, putting up a combined 10 goals and 11 assists.

DeFeyter, second team all-GPAC for the second year in a row and native of Scottsdale, Ariz., contributed five goals (two game winners) and three assists while starting all 20 games. DeFeyter made waves on Oct. 4 when he turned in an impressive bicycle kick goal as part of a two-goal performance at Dordt. DeFeyter finished his career with 14 goals and six assists over 70 games.

Meanwhile, Campbell served as the anchor of a backline that posted eight shutouts and collaborated on a goals against average of 1.0 (second best in the conference). He helped Buchanan register seven shutouts to go along with 86 saves and a goals against average of .950. He nearly led an upset of No. 11 Hastings in the GPAC semifinals by making 11 saves.

OWH All-Nebraska Team
F Jake Ramsay, Hastings Sr.
F Alan Craig, Midland Sr.
F Isaac Beber, Doane Sr.
F Tobias Maertzke, Bellevue Jr.
M Manny Lira, Bellevue Sr.
M Jeremy De Hoog, Midland Fr.
M Marc Tautz, Hastings Fr.
M Gabe Garbin, Doane So.
D Alan Carr, Bellevue Jr.
D Tyler Ortlieb, Hastings Sr.
D Harrison Rogers, Midland So.
D Nick Saunders, Midland Jr.
G Scott Robertson, Bellevue Sr.
G Alex Guyer, Hastings Jr.

Honorary captain: Alex Guyer, Hastings

Honorable mention: Jamie Henderson, Jacob Pease, Rob Smith, Lee Woolmore, Bellevue; Brendan Buchanan, Mark Campbell, Chris DeFeyter, Gideon Soenksen, Concordia; Casey Clark, Zackry Stevenson, Nik Stevenson, Doane; Shane Davidson, Lucas Venegas, Hastings; Shazz Heale, Midland; Brady Blazek, Wes Smith, Nebraska Wesleyan; Saniago Castano, Luis Sanchez, Job Yapp, York College.