Lincoln, Neb. – With only one nonconference performance left against Nebraska Wesleyan University, the Bulldogs ended this part of the season with a 2-0 shutout on Monday night (Sept. 16). Kierstynn Garner and Hannah Haas collected a goal apiece but the effort put on by the full Concordia squad was evident in the road win. After the eventual game winning score, Garner claimed full control of the career record for game winning goals (14) in program history
The Bulldogs are 3-2-1 as they finish conference play on a high note at the Prairie Wolves expense. Head Coach Nick Smith commented on playing at Nebraska Wesleyan and being able to get the first shutout.
“Our ball movement was really good tonight. We expected Nebraska Wesleyan to be organized against us and they were. Playing here is more narrow than we are used to and so we want to maximize the space, and let the ball do the work for us. It is huge for us (shutout). I felt like this was the first 90 minutes where we were relatively sound the entire game. We are a group that’s growing right now.”
In the waning minutes of a scoreless first frame, Savannah Andrews and Kierstynn Garner were able to connect with a score in the 42nd minute. This was the second time this season the duo were a one-two punch as the first came in the tie versus Bellevue University. The Kearney, Neb., native is team leader in goals scored and second in the conference (six).
Haas provided a spark in the previous match and is starting to catch fire in the final third. Garner was able to dodge the sliding goalie and put the ball on a cross finding the feet of Haas. The Doherty High School product kicked the pass beyond the keeper for the second goal of the game. Senior Haas has scored two goals in two games as she begins to pick up steam in her final season.
Haas said, “Tonight, it was big on possession for us. Coach has been talking to us about doing a lot of quick passes, 500 a game, and they really executed on that to get to the final third. I think that helped us possession wise. Coach told me when I went in, it’s the final ball and after Kierstynn’s run she gave me the final ball.”
The defense allowed 10 shots but only two were on goal through the 90 minutes. Without all-conference center backs Taylor Slaymaker and Hannah Kile, Concordia used veteran Rosie Gyllenswan and freshman Triniti Rowe to fill in the gaps in the back line. Every Bulldog in between the lines won the ball at different times of the night and the team play clinched the 2024 team’s first shutout. Angela Banks collected both saves and the second shutout of her career.
Nebraska Wesleyan bested the Bulldogs in corner kicks (6-3) and limited themselves to only two fouls. The Prairie Wolves (4-4) will face Webster University in their upcoming match on Saturday.
Concordia (3-2-1) will enter into conference play against Northwestern (0-5-1) in two short days. First kick is set for 5:30 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs dusted the Red Raiders (8-0) last season in Orange City.