SEWARD, Neb. – Each team had moments of dominant possession in the in-state clash between Concordia Women’s Soccer and Bellevue University on Wednesday night (Sept. 4). The final score ended in the same way with a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. Kierstynn Garner broke through for her fifth score of the season.
The Bulldogs are 1-1-1 after three rigorous non-conference contests. Head Coach Nick Smith commented on the home opener and about the high and low possession stretches.
“It’s nice to be back in Bulldog Stadium. It’s nice to play in front of our fans and under the lights. We are a team that is consistently getting better through the early part of the season. A lot of the possession switches is a result of maintaining belief that we can compete with teams at this level. Bellevue is a good team. It is a team that is receiving votes and may be ranked next week. They have already beaten three conference opponents.”
After conceding a goal in the second frame, Savannah Andrews splits 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 contest. Last week’s GPAC Offensive Player award winner has tallied five goals and 32 in her career.
Garner spoke about the team gaining confidence with every match.
“We are more confident on the ball. Players are holding it longer. We are more confident in dribbling and one v. one. If we continue with that, we will be good this season.”
A mainstay midfielder, Niah Kirchner, was pivotal in the middle third winning the ball consistently over the Bruins in one v. one situations to kill the visitors' attack before it started. Coach Smith spoke about the type of player Kirchner is and has been.
“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.”
Many gave quality minutes to limit the talented Bellevue squad. Defenders Taylor Slaymaker and Hannah Kile were pivotal in limiting the chances the Bruins were able to take. Avery Black and Kyana Rios claimed their second start for the Bulldogs as the depth of Coach Smith’s squad continues to grow.
The Bruins had a 4-2 shot on goal advantage and Sami Reding scored her third goal of the year via Ketlyn Rota. Bellevue came into the match 4-0 but will now add a tie to the end of its record. The visitors from Papillion will face yet another GPAC competitor in Morningside on Saturday.
Concordia (1-1-1) will have the weekend off before taking on a tough Benedictine College (1-2-1) of Kansas. The bout will be played in Bulldog Stadium at 5:30 p.m. CT. The Ravens defeated the Bulldogs 3-0 in 2023.