SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs travel for their final nonconference game against Nebraska Wesleyan University (Sept. 20), then will host their season opening GPAC match versus Mount Marty (Sept. 23). Concordia will look to get back on the right track after two consecutive losses, trying to build this upcoming week against the Prairie Wolves and the Lancers after starting the season 3-0. CUNE fell to Benedictine College (Kan.) on Saturday (Sept. 13) as the Bulldogs were in a tight match until two successful penalty kicks put the Ravens out of reach finishing a 3-0 loss.
This Week
Thursday, Sept. 14 vs. Nebraska Wesleyan (1-5) 7 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Abel Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 16 vs. Mount Marty (1-2), 3:30 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Bulldog Stadium
By the numbers
· The Ravens showed why they averaged almost 19 shots a game before coming into Bulldog Stadium as they dominated the ball in the first half. Winning the shot battle (11-1) and up one score through 45 minutes, the Bulldogs realized they need to tweak things at the halftime break. The defense clamped down, but the Ravens were given two penalty kicks that gave them a 3-0 win. Grace Soenksen and Taylor Slaymaker was a big part of the back line to help slow down their offensive attack which evened out in shots (4-2), still in favor of the visitors. Benedictine proved to be a challenging opponent and is one spot from being ranked in the national coaches’ poll by the NAIA. The Bulldogs need to be able to find more quality chances to bring the fight to more challenging opponents.
· Concordia has been shutout the past two games and it has lulled them into two straight losses. The Bulldogs, who came out firing with a four goal performance in their season opener, need to find their footing again in the attacking third. Opposing defenses have seen the firepower and have adapted to try and nullify their style of play by keeping more players on defense. This presents a unique challenge for new head coach Nick Smith and his coaching staff. They will have to find ways to score so teams can’t “park the bus” as some might say, and gain more chances in front of the net. As the team grows, they will look to see who they can trust in set pieces, counterattacks, and other forms of scoring to revive the potent offense.
· With Kierstynn Garner limited and goals scored declining, the team might look for a third and fourth option to finish inside the penalty area. Savannah Andrews and Garner has been their go-to through five games, but only one other Bulldog has scored in Elena Ruiz. First team All-GPAC Soenksen professed wanting to score more at the start of the 2023 campaign and could be an option in the box. The team is filled with talented sophomores and freshmen, among others in the lineup. Hannah Haas and Niah Kirchner represent the third and fourth most shots as individuals and present themselves as viable targets for the Concordia offense.
Nebraska Wesleyan
The Prairie Wolves are 1-5 with their lone win (3-1) coming against Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill. on Sunday (Sept. 3). The single common opponent these two teams have faced is York University, where the Panthers bested NWU (1-0) in a close one. For remembrance’s sake, the Bulldogs defeated York (1-0). The Prairie Wolves are beaten in nearly every category, having five goals as a team while allowing 17 through their six matches. Their opponents have doubled them in shots (84-41) and are still behind in shot on goal percentage by a -.046-point deferential. They have gained eight corner kicks, while allowing 23 for their competitors. Their five goals come from four different players starting with Lauren Keith and Kaeding Rassfeld, who also have the teams only assist. The other two who scored goals this season are Faith Forehand and Amanda Olivia. With the lack of being able to stop open passing lanes through 14 assisted goals, the Bulldogs will have plenty of opportunity to score if the Prairie Wolves replicate their play from the following six games.
Mount Marty
The Lancers come into the match with a 1-2 record, with their only win coming over Bethany College (Kan.) on Friday (Sept. 8) at home. They have fell to Black Hills State University (S.D.) in a 5-0 loss and Bethel College (Kan.) in a similar 5-0 shutout as well. The Lancers face off against common GPAC foe Doane tonight at 7:15 p.m. CT at Crane Youngworth Stadium ( Yankton, S.D.). The offensive weapons seem to be lacking with a total of 17 shots, averaging of 5.7 shots per game and 4.3 shots on goal per game. Their two goal scorers Tianna Bumbaca-Kuechl and Alessandra Lopez have made one goal apiece through three games. Lopez had one assist and senior Shyanna Reich sent the other for the Lancers. They have split time between two goalkeepers so far and together have allowed 11 goals. If the Bulldogs play to their potential, they will get the result that they are looking for against Mount Marty.
Next Week
The Bulldogs will step on the field at home versus Dordt on Wednesday (Sept. 20), then will travel to Orange City, Iowa on Saturday (Sept. 23) to face off against Northwestern . The matches are listed below and will be hosted at Bulldog Stadium and the NWC Soccer Complex.
Wednesday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. – vs. Dordt
Saturday, Sept. 23
3:15 p.m. – vs. Northwestern