SEWARD, Neb. – Influential in Concordia’s run to a fifth-straight GPAC championship game, center back Tori Cera has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, as announced on Tuesday (Nov. 6). Cera is the third Bulldog this season to collect a conference weekly honor, joining Maria Deeter (twice) and Brynn Suddeth.
A sophomore from Las Vegas, Nev., Cera produced the lone goal in last week’s GPAC quarterfinal win over Morningside. It was one for the highlight reel. From nearly 40 yards out, Cera connected on a shot that sailed over the keeper’s head and into the back of the net. In addition to that big strike, Cera also helped stifle the opposing attacks of Morningside and No. 17 Midland from her center back position. Concordia held those two foes to a combined nine shots on goal in a pair of 1-0 GPAC postseason victories.
Cera is dangerous on set pieces and has contributed heavily offensively even in her role on the back line. Over 41 career collegiate games, she has produced 10 goals and eight assists. Cera and the Bulldogs (13-2-5) will shoot for a GPAC tournament championship on Thursday when they play at 11th-ranked Hastings (15-0-3) in the title game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT from Lloyd Wilson Field.
GPAC players of the week in 2018
Nov. 6 – Tori Cera
Oct. 16 – Maria Deeter
Oct. 9 – Brynn Suddeth
Oct. 2 – Maria Deeter