GAME NOTES: Concordia to host two GPAC contests
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia women’s soccer team is set to host two GPAC contests this week. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Bulldogs will welcome Nebraska Wesleyan University to Bulldog Stadium for a 5:30 p.m. start time. Briar Cliff University will be the opponent on Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
MATCH INFO
Nebraska Wesleyan University (7-4, 4-1 GPAC) at Concordia University (8-3-1, 2-2-1 GPAC)
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 5:30 p.m. CT
Site: Bulldog Stadium
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
MATCH INFO
Briar Cliff University (4-6-1, 1-3-1 GPAC) at Concordia University (8-3-1, 2-2-1 GPAC)
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 1 p.m.
Site: Bulldog Stadium
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Last time out
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, another stingy defensive effort pushed the 23rd-ranked Concordia University women’s soccer team to a second-straight GPAC home victory. The Bulldogs used the first career multi-goal game for junior Jordan McCoy in seeing out a 2-0 win over the visiting Warriors. Then on Saturday, Oct. 10, a 71st-minute goal was all host Morningside needed to send the 23rd-ranked Concordia University women’s soccer team to an upset defeat. Both teams took eight total shots in a game decided by a 1-0 score.
GPAC Players of the Week
Week 1: Esther Soenksen (Offense)
Week 3: Jessica Skerston (Offense)
Week 5: Chrissy Lind (Defense)
GPAC rankings
As a team in the GPAC, Concordia leads in goals allowed per game (0.75), is tied for first in total shutouts (6), tied for second in shutouts per game (0.50), is ranked third in assists per game (1.33) and total assists (16), fourth in goals per game (2.25) and in total goals (27).
Chrissy Lind – total saves, tied for sixth (53); goals against average, first (0.74); saves per game, fifth (4.82)
Jessica Skerston –total goals, tied for 10th (5); assists per game, tied for ninth (0.33); total assists, tied for sixth (4); shots per game, tied for sixth (3.42)
Esther Soenksen – points per game, tied for fifth (1.92); total points, tied for fifth (23); goals per game, fourth (1.83); total goals, tied for third (10); shots per game, ninth (3.08); shots on goal per game, fifth (2.17); game winning goals per game, tied for 10th (0.17); total game winning goals, tied for fifth (2)
National rankings
As a team nationally, the Bulldogs rank 18th in total shutouts (6) and 22nd in shutouts per game (0.5).
Chrissy Lind – goals against per game, 20th (0.74)
Esther Soenksen – total goals, 38th (10); goals per game, 47th (0.83); total points, 47th (23.0)
Quotable
“It’s been a little bit since we’ve been able to put a multi-goal game together. Through the first three games of conference we scored one goal. That’s not going to get it done. At halftime we made some adjustments and really challenged the players to get forward and be more committed to doing what’s necessary to win the game. I thought they responded well.”
-Head coach Greg Henson
Scouting the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves
The Prairie Wolves of Nebraska Wesleyan University hold a 7-4 (4-1 GPAC) record through Oct. 11. NWU has shutout four of its five GPAC rivals, outscoring those 8-0. The lone GPAC loss is from Briar Cliff University who edged the Prairie Wolves, 1-0. Nationally, Nebraska Wesleyan ranks 15th in shutouts per game (0.55) and 18th in total shutouts (6), which is also a first place tying number in the GPAC. As a team, the Prairie Wolves own a shot on goal percentage of .559 and have outscored its opponents, 22-13. Keeper Madi Francis has recorded 45 saves and has a save percentage of .776. The Prairie Wolves are led by head coach Tudor Flintham who is in his first year at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Flintham is assisted by Grant Johannes, Brad Fullerton, Scott Sheffield and Chris Simley.
Scouting the Briar Cliff University Chargers
The Charger of Briar Cliff University are carrying a 4-6-1 (1-3-1 GPAC) mark into Saturday’s match. The Chargers have topped Nebraska Wesleyan University, 1-0 this season while falling to College of Saint Mary, Dordt and No. 17 Hastings. BCU tied with Northwestern College. In the GPAC, the Chargers are ranked fourth in saves per game (7.36) and in total saves (81). All of those saves have come from keeper Libby Havenridge who ranks 23rd nationally in total saves and 30th in saves per game. As a team, Briar Cliff has a .573 shots on goal percentage. The Chargers are led by head coach Pat Herbst who is in his seventh season at Briar Cliff University. Herbst is assisted by Jeremy Reinert, Fae Seil, Jesus Sanchez and Kalynn Sortino.
Up next on the pitch
The Concordia women’s soccer team will be on the road for each of the two games next week. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Bulldogs will travel to Doane College for a 5 p.m. kickoff. Then on Saturday, Oct. 24 the CUNE women will head north for a tilt with Dakota Wesleyan University at 1 p.m.