FREMONT, Neb. – More missed opportunities offensively and a rough stretch in the middle of the second half made the difference in another frustrating result for the Concordia University Women’s Soccer team. For the first time this season, the Bulldogs have tasted defeat. Host Midland earned a 3-1 victory over Concordia in action that took place at Heedum Field in Fremont, Neb., on Wednesday (Sept. 28).
Head Coach Thomas Goines’ squad went unbeaten through the season’s first eight games, something no other team in program history had previously achieved. After the loss on Wednesday, the Bulldogs stand at 6-1-2 overall (1-1-2 GPAC).
“There were things in the game that we liked,” Goines said. “The first half was very competitive between two good GPAC teams, physical and fast play. Second half, I think the girls responded phenomenally and created a lot of chances. We had a handful of one-on-ones with the keeper, missed a penalty kick and hit the post a couple times again. It’s a growing process for our team. The energy we brought to the game was great to see. This gives us a chance to grow and to try to overcome adversity.”
Had a sequence here or there gone differently the past few outings, Concordia could easily be sitting at 9-0. These are part of the growing pains. However, the Bulldogs never quit on Wednesday. They nearly evened things up after going down 2-0. Grace Soenksen got on the board with her first goal of 2022 (fifth career) with a header off the corner kick from Ellie Eason in the 72nd minute. Roughly 10 minutes later, Concordia squandered a penalty kick that was saved by Midland keeper Hannah Tillison. At 2-1, Arianna Flores put away the back breaker in the 86th minute with a goal to bring it back to a two-goal spread.
Four days earlier, the Bulldogs settled for a 0-0 draw with Northwestern in a game they dominated (18-5 in shots). This time, Concordia took the loss despite an 18-7 shot advantage (11-6 in shots on goal) over the Warriors. Under heavy fire, Tillison did the job for Midland in making 10 saves. On the other end, the Warriors made their shots count – three of their four in the second half found the back of the net.
The positives the Bulldogs can take away are the stretches they outplayed Midland, especially early in the second half. Lately, Concordia has seemingly drilled shot after shot off the post. Nine different Bulldogs put at least one shot on frame in Fremont. Top goal scorer Kierstynn Garner was denied twice with shots on goal. So too was Aliyah Aldama. In goal, Kalie Ward made three saves. Concordia knows it’s close to turning a corner.
Said Goines, “It’s a chance to self-reflect. Some of the moments were big over the last week-and-a-half and we weren’t big enough for them. We have to continue to take on those challenges and step up when we need to. Realistically, this puts us in a tough spot in terms of being in position to host a playoff game. We have eight games left in conference. We’re inches away from taking games over. What are we going to do now to gain a few inches? That’s what we’re missing. We’re excited for what the rest of the season holds.”
The Bulldogs will return home to host Dakota Wesleyan (2-5-1, 0-4 GPAC) at 1 p.m. CT on Saturday. Concordia owns the all-time series lead over the Tigers, 13-6-1. Last season’s meeting in Mitchell, S.D., resulted in a 1-0 win for Dakota Wesleyan.