Concordia opens 2010 season with high expectations
The Concordia University women’s soccer team looks for a big season in 2010. The Bulldogs were 7-10-2 overall a year ago with a 5-7-0 record in conference play. Concordia picked up wins over Nebraska Wesleyan University and Hastings College for the first time in school history during the 2009 season. The Bulldogs also qualified for the GPAC Tournament last year.
Concordia returns several key members from last year’s squad. A solid recruiting class and group of transfers will look to push this year’s team to new heights. “With such a talented and mature squad, we are looking to go deep into the postseason,” commented Lisa White, who enters her first season as head coach. “This team is craving the opportunity to redefine success for Concordia women’s soccer.”
Carolyn Chrzan and Mallorie Blanck return at the forward position for the Bulldogs. Last year, Chrzan led the team with 10 goals and added five assists (2nd-team) for a team-high 25 points. Blanck scored eight goals and added three assists for a total of 19 points. Chrzan was a First Team All-GPAC selection, while Blanck earned honorable mention All-Conference recognition.
Also returning for Concordia offensively is Molly Humlicek and Jackie Ford. Humlicek scored five goals and added four assists last year, while Ford scored four goals and totaled nine points in 2009. University of Nebraska transfer Jamie Sanchez joins Concordia this year at the forward position and will look to add even more punch to the Bulldog offensive attack.
Anchoring the Concordia defense in 2010 will be Sarah Hoffmann and Ariel Harris. Hoffmann started 18 games a year ago as a defender and totaled a team-high six assists on the year. For her efforts, Hoffmann picked up Second Team All-GPAC honors. Harris started 17 games in goal for the Bulldogs in 2009. She finished with a 1.56 goals against average and made 99 saves for the year.
Concordia opens the 2010 season at home against York College on August 28 at 4 p.m.