SIOUX CITY, Iowa – It would have been completely understandable for members of the Concordia University women’s soccer team to exhibit frustration following back-to-back losses in double overtime. These Bulldogs stayed the course and were rewarded for it on Saturday (Oct. 19) afternoon in Sioux City, Iowa. Instead of settling for a draw, senior Brynn Suddeth found the back of the net in the 109th minute to set off a celebration of a 2-1 Bulldog victory over Briar Cliff.
Head coach Chris Luther’s squad needed a feel-good moment like this one. Concordia has moved to 4-3-1 in conference play (4-9-1 overall) with a victory over a foe that has beaten both Hastings and Midland this season.
“The girls just went nuts,” Luther said. “It was a fantastic moment. We just needed that one psychologically. We’ve been talking to the girls about staying true to the process and trusting the process. We keep saying that it will come together. It was our third double overtime game in a row and it finally came together for them. It was a great moment, especially against Briar Cliff because they’ve been playing so well this year.”
Indeed this is one the Bulldogs can build upon. It’s no wonder the Bulldogs acted with such jubilation after having to watch both Hastings and Morningside celebrate outcomes that went the other way in recent action. Concordia found a way on Saturday despite facing a 1-0 deficit for more than 45 minutes of game time. Thankfully for the visitors, Tori Cera’s powerful leg knotted the score, 1-1, in the 83rd minute.
Suddenly, the Bulldogs felt good about their chances behind a defensive performance that had been stifling the Charger attack ever since Gisselle Jimenez’s goal in the 38th minute. Concordia keeper Lindsey Carley made nine saves and freshman Grace Soenksen seamlessly transitioned into a center back spot next to Cera. Briar Cliff (9-4, 6-2 GPAC) wound up with a 15-13 edge in the shot count.
Suddeth did not even start the second overtime, but was subbed in about midway through the 10-minute period. Luther called it a “sweet build-up” that resulted in Michaela Twito playing a ball to Kaley Heinz into space. A perfectly executed pass from Heinz allowed Suddeth to head the ball past keeper Ruby Campa, who got a hand on the shot. The Bulldog bench erupted.
It felt like finding a canteen full of water in the middle of the desert. Concordia had gone well over 300 minutes without a goal before Cera’s strike late in regulation. This one showed some mental toughness and fortitude.
“I think it speaks volumes to the girls’ perseverance and determination,” Luther said. “They had experienced a couple heartbreaking losses, but today they kept battling and battling. (Morgan) Raska at the end of the game looked at me and said, ‘That was almost surreal.’ It was such a great experience for the girls today.”
Briar Cliff was the only GPAC team to beat the Bulldogs during the 2018 regular season. The Chargers had entered the weekend with a four-game win streak.
Concordia will make a trek to nearby College of Saint Mary (5-6-2, 2-4-1 GPAC) for a 3 p.m. CT matchup on Wednesday. The Flames fell at Northwestern, 4-1, on Saturday.
Suds (@brynn_suddeth20) for the win!pic.twitter.com/6AgYTzr6Pc
— Concordia Bulldogs (@cunebulldogs) October 20, 2019