Seward, Neb. – Concordia Women’s Soccer team and in-state rival Bellevue University ended in a 1-1 deadlock after full time on Wednesday night. The Bulldogs will have a busy upcoming schedule with five games in 11 days. CUNE will take on No. 25 Benedictine College (Kan.), York University and Nebraska Wesleyan University in its next three contests.
This Week
Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. No. 25 Benedictine (1-3-1), 5:30 p.m.
Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Bulldog Stadium (Seward, Neb.)
Saturday, Sept. 14 at York (1-2-1), 12 p.m.
Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: York Soccer Complex (York, Neb.)
Monday, Sept. 16 at Nebraska Wesleyan (3-2), 7 p.m.
Live Webcast | Live Stats | Location: Abel Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
By the numbers
· Bellevue had a clear majority possession in the first half of each frame and Concordia took over in the second half of each 45 minutes. Shots were at a premium but after giving up a goal, the Bulldogs responded with a score of their own. Savannah Andrews split two defenders in the 71st minute to the ever-dangerous Kierstynn Garner. On the right side of the goal, she kicked a low ball from right to left in the far bottom corner to tie the match. Veterans Hannah Kile, Niah Kirchner, and Taylor Slaymaker helped erase many of the Bruins’ offensive runs to keep the draw intact.
· After three games, Concordia (1-1-1) has shown a mixed bag of results so far this season. The upcoming opportunities will show us more of this veteran team. Garner has scored all five goals but the three assists have come via Andrews, Hannah Haas and Sierra McElhannon. The next two leaders in shots have been Kirchner (five) and Sierra Springer (three). The opponents have shot 32 compared to the Bulldogs’ 18. In shots on goal percentage, the offense (.611) has edged out its opponents (.594).
· Midfielder Niah Kirchner has been labeled “the engine” by Head Coach Nick Smith multiple times throughout her career and has proven it on the field time and time again. Her career numbers won’t flash to most as she has four goals and six assists in her 41 games played. The junior, out of Omaha, Neb., has started 37 games and has continued to build on her ability to win possession back in the middle third of the field. Coach Smith said postgame on Wednesday, “Niah is one of our smartest players. Her IQ is off the charts. She sees the play before it happens and gets herself in position to be a pesky defender. She is another player who has grown these past couple games. We are a much better team when she is performing at a good level.”
· The Massey Ratings have Concordia rated 76 with a strength of schedule rating of 65. Massey has the upcoming opponents slotted 71st (Benedictine), 118th (York) and 232nd (NCAA D-III Nebraska Wesleyan). The teams strength of schedule rankings are; Ravens (106), Panthers (165) and Prairie Wolves (314).
· Concordia has a roster with 23 players which are either juniors, seniors or 5th year players, giving a huge experience advantage to most teams they will face. Many of the notable junior class team members have two years of starting experience and have names that many who follow the program know. The Bulldogs return All-GPAC nominees Savannah Andrews, Kierstynn Garner, Hannah Kile, Niah Kirchner, Sierra Springer, Bradi Ore and Taylor Slaymaker. Many others with a wealth of experience return such as Angela Banks, Hannah Haas, Kassidy Johnson, Sadie Mares, Senna McMullen, Shelby Rugg, Elena Ruiz and Ashlee Trujillo. The program has added transfers and freshmen, making the roster potentially the deepest it has been in years.
Bendictine
The Ravens come into the match with a 1-3-1 record having fell (1-0) to common opponent Dordt last week. Benedictine defeated (7-0) Williams Baptist (Ark.) and tied (1-1) St. Ambrose University (Iowa). The team scored 10 goals while allowing five on a .471 shot on goal percentage. Audrey Bolan and Brook Hatzmann have collected two goals to lead the Ravens and Jenna Wilken leads with two assists. Mackenzie Korzenecki has played all five games as the goalkeeper. Korzenecki has 20 saves on a .769 save percentage.
York
The Panthers are 3-1 having played all common opponents, falling Nebraska Wesleyan (1-0) but defeated all three GPAC competitors. York bested Mount Marty (3-0), Doane (1-0) and Dakota Wesleyan (3-1). The Panthers have scored seven goals and allowed two on shots with a .551 shot on goal percentage. Led by Gracie Reynolds, she has a goal and an assist so far in 2024. Goalkeeper Harumi Cornejo has 11 saves and a .917 save percentage in her three games played.
Nebraska Wesleyan
The Prairie Wolves come into this week with a 3-2 overall showing after defeating common upcoming opponent York (1-0). Nebraska Wesleyan also defeated Cornell College (5-0) and Principia College (8-0). It will play two GPAC opponents, Northwestern and Dordt, before stepping on the field versus Concordia. The Prairie Wolves have scored 15 goals while only allowing three. The offense is averaging three goals per game and 17.6 shots per contest. Averie Hike leads the charge in goal scoring with four and three players follow with two apiece. Amanda Olivas (three) and Emma Parker (two) have collected the top assists. Goalkeeper Jena Schultz has played 383 minutes between the posts grabbing 17 saves with a .895 save percentage.
Next Week
The Bulldogs will break into conference play after the three contests and face off against Northwestern and Dordt to open with tough opponents. Concordia will host the Red Raiders in Bulldog Stadium and travel to Sioux Center, Iowa for the clash with Defenders.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
5:30 p.m. – vs. Northwestern
Saturday, Sept. 21
2 p.m. – at Dordt