Seward, Neb. – The Bulldogs will travel to Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday after having the midweek off from play on the field. Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer fell to Hastings (2-0) and claimed its first conference win versus Briar Cliff (1-0) on Homecoming. Head Coach Nick Smith’s squad is 4-5-1 overall and 1-3 in the GPAC.
This Week
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Dakota Wesleyan (3-4, 2-2 GPAC), 3 p.m.
Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex (Mitchell, S.D.)
By the numbers
· Two goals only two minutes apart defined the 2-0 match against Hastings in Bulldog Stadium. The Broncos would finish with an 8-3 shot advantage with two dangerous chances coming from Mirarosa Gyllenswan and Kierstynn Garner. This would be Concordia’s third straight conference loss and a start that seemingly could have never happened with the removal of a few minutes of play from each game. On the brink of putting it all together, the Bulldogs have been shutout three times this season.
· Concordia found light in the form of a conference win over Briar Cliff (1-0) on Homecoming night. Beaten 7-4 in shots, the Bulldogs only needed one to best the visiting Chargers. Emily Howard gained her first collegiate point off an assist to newcomer Kyana Rios. The Omaha South product drilled her first collegiate goal from 25 yards out to take the lead in the 49th minute. That would be her only shot fired as Hannah Haas, Sierra Springer and Ashlee Trujillo would also clinch one apiece. Angela Banks matched her career high saves (six) and her second shutout. Corner kicks were an advantage for the home team with a 3-0 edge over BCU.
· Concordia has scored 15 goals in 10 games while allowing 19 by the opponents. Averaging 8.2 shots per game, the Bulldogs have a .524 shots on goal percentage and a .183 shot percentage. Out of the 15 goals, 11 are assisted and with 43 shots, Concordia has been highly productive off passes from teammates. Coach Smith has played 26 different players showing new depth in the 2024 season. Garner leads with nine goals and two assists with Savannah Andrews leading the team (three). Four others have scored in Haas (two), Rios (one), Katelyn Smith (one) and Andrews (one). The final shots have been fired predominantly by Garner (27), Andrews (15), Haas (eight), Niah Kirchner (seven) and Sierra Springer (seven). The two with the highest shots on goal percentage are Kirchner and Springer at .714 and are followed by Garner (.667). Mainstays like Garner, Kirchner and Elena Ruiz have started all 10 games for the Bulldog side.
· The Bulldogs own a 15-6-1 record over Dakota Wesleyan in the series history. Concordia has won the last 10 of 11 meetings with the exception of 2021. In that stretch, it has outscored the Tigers 30-4 in dominant fashion. The Bulldogs dropped their only loss (1-0) that was scored by Jozy Bardsley right before halftime.
· The Massey Ratings have Concordia rated 84th with an 87th strength of schedule ranking. Massey has the Tigers rated 133rd in the NAIA and the 150th strength of schedule.
Dakota Wesleyan
The Tigers are 3-4 overall and .500 (2-2) in the conference. Dakota Wesleyan fell to common opponents Bellevue University (1-0), York University (3-1) and Hastings (3-1). The team has two conference wins over Mount Marty (2-1) and Northwestern (6-2) through four GPAC games. With a 1-2 record at home, the Tigers average 10 shots per game with a .650 shots on goal percentage. Hannah Petrucci and Deandrea Johnson lead the pack in goals scored and Petrucci also is in front in assists. Isabella Gregg (.829) and Abigail Colgrove (.700) split time in the net as Gregg leads in save percentage.
Next Week
The Bulldogs will continue conference play against Morningside in a lone match next week. Concordia will host the Mustangs for senior day inside Bulldog Stadium. The match is listed below.
Saturday, Oct. 12
5:30 p.m. – vs. Morningside (senior day)