SEWARD, Neb. – A program that has quickly developed into a GPAC title contender, Concordia women’s soccer enters the 2016 season as an expected top-of-the-pack finisher in the conference. In the GPAC Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll released on Thursday, the Bulldogs landed at No. 3 behind Hastings and Morningside. Concordia reeled in a total of 79 points.
Fourth-year head coach Greg Henson has guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back appearances in the GPAC tournament championship game. The 2014 squad upset Hastings in the title tilt and secured the program’s first-ever national tournament bid. Concordia followed it up last season by tying for fourth in the GPAC. It caught fire late in the season when it put together a six-game unbeaten streak.
Concordia said goodbye to just two players who started in last year’s GPAC championship game at Morningside. The list of returning key players includes the likes of midfielder Maria Deeter, goalkeeper Chrissy Lind and defender Ashley Martin.
The Bulldogs officially open up the 2016 season on Aug. 26 with a road contest at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo. Concordia is set to make its home debut on Aug. 31 when York College makes a visit to Seward.
2016 GPAC Preseason Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll
1. Hastings – 98 (8)
2. Morningside – 92 (3)
3. Concordia – 79
4. Northwestern – 70
5. Briar Cliff – 62
6. Dordt – 56
7. Midland – 51
8. College of Saint Mary – 34
9. Doane – 31
10. Dakota Wesleyan – 22
11. Mount Marty – 10