Lamoni, Iowa – Kierstynn Garner put four goals behind the keepers of Graceland University (Iowa), leading the Concordia Women’s Soccer team to a 4-2 victory. The Wednesday night (Aug. 28) season opener went back and forth with seven shots on goal per team, but the visitors were able to make the most of their chances at John Rasmussen Soccer Complex.
Nick Smith collected his 14th win as head coach of the Bulldogs and commented on the first game of 2024 and how Garner and the whole offense is being used in different ways.
“We had some moments where we looked really good and we had some moments where we looked like it was the first game of the year. What I told them afterward was that a mark of a great team is when you can win games and you are not at your peak performance. With KG (Garner) and others, we have more pace with this team. On offense, we are trying to be a little bit different and be more intentional. We are looking for specific moments and that requires the delivery to be on time and the runs to be made at the right time.”
With the four goal performance, Garner became one of five players to score four goals in one contest. Two former Bulldogs have five goals, but current teammate Savannah Andrews scored four versus Mount Marty on Sept. 16, 2023, in an 8-1 route over the Lancers.
With less than 30 seconds left in the first half, freshman Sierra McElhannon struck a through ball to a sprinting Garner. The Kearney, Neb., native ran down the pass and eventually kicked the ball from the left side into the right corner for her third goal of the game. With the score, Garner tied the most career game winning goals (13) matching Jessica Skerston (2014-16) for the program record.
The Kearney High School product broke the silence early with a scoop and score in the 5th minute of the first half. After intercepting a pass from a defender intended for the Yellow Jacket goalkeeper, Garner finished in front with her first goal of 2024. With these four goals, she has amassed 31 career goals as a junior.
Goalkeeper Angela Banks collected a career-high five saves and kept Graceland at bay enough to help seal the win. The All-GPAC nominees that returned to the starting lineup were Savannah Andrews, Hannah Kile, Niah Kirchner and Taylor Slaymaker.
Graceland scored two goals, one in each half. Emily Carmen and Caitlin Lageman scored each on assists via their teammates. The Bulldogs narrowly outshot the Yellow Jackets 9-8. Graceland moves to 2-1-1 as Concordia hands it their first loss. The Yellow Jackets will face the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan. on Saturday.
The Bulldogs will face No. 10 Columbia (2-0) on Saturday in Columbia, Missouri. First kick is set for 5 p.m. CT at R. Marvin Owens Field.