Late rally not enough as Concordia falls to Bellevue, 2-1

Bellevue University held on for a 2-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on Saturday evening in Seward. 

The Bruins jumped on top in the first half with a goal by Alyssa Porter.  Bellevue took the 1-0 lead into halftime.  Both teams totaled six shots in the opening half of play.  Concordia had some good opportunities in the first half but could not capitalize.  Concordia’s best opportunity came on a penalty kick midway through the first half.  Bellevue goalie Caitlin Stier made a key save off the penalty kick by Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.), and the Bruins grabbed the lead shortly after.

Bellevue took a 2-0 lead at the 68-minute mark.  Jessica Damery found the net following a corner kick by Yaritza Estrada.  Concordia attempted a late rally.  Stier made yet another save on a Concordia penalty kick, but Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.) scored off the rebound to cut the deficit to one with less than five minutes remaining.  The Bulldogs couldn’t net the equalizing goal, however, and the Bruins secured the 2-1 win. 

Concordia finished with 19 shots (10 on goal) in the contest.  Blanck finished with a game-high seven shots, while Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) added three shots in the contest.  Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves but suffered the loss in goal for the Bulldogs.

Estrada had three shots on goal to lead Bellevue University.  Stier made nine saves and picked up the win in goal for the Bruins.  

The Bulldogs travel to #24 Benedictine College on August 31.