SEWARD, Neb. – After pummeling Mount Marty in a performance that equaled a program record for most goals in a single game, the Concordia University women’s soccer team knows a much more challenging week lies in wait. The Bulldogs will host Midland (9-4, 3-2 GPAC) in a 5:30 p.m. CT game on Wednesday night prior to Saturday’s road trip to Dordt (6-5-1, 2-2 GPAC) for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
Fourth-year head coach Greg Henson’s squad has rebounded nicely after an 0-2 start to conference play. Concordia avoided an 0-3 start with a crucial 2-1 road win over Morningside on Oct. 1. Following a week off, the Bulldogs thumped the Lancers, 12-0, in a homecoming matchup.
Freshman Sami Birmingham has been on a goal scoring tear for the Bulldogs. The Johnston, Iowa, native ranks fifth in goals among all GPAC players after tallying three more scores in the win over Mount Marty. She has 11 goals overall this season, including five over the first four conference games. Both Birmingham and fellow freshman Rebekah Freeman turned in hat tricks this past Saturday.
Midland possesses the leading goal scorer in the form of Nayeli Rodriguez, who has found the back of the net 15 times in 2016. Behind Rodriguez, the Warriors rank second in the GPAC in goals scored per game (3.38) and received votes in the most recent NAIA coaches’ poll. Concordia has won the last three meetings with Midland, including a 2-0 victory in Seward last year.
Dordt has been solid on the attack, averaging 3.0 goals per game (fourth in the GPAC). However, the Defenders have struggled to defend. They rank 10th in conference in terms of goals allowed per game (2.67). Dordt owns league wins over Mount Marty and Briar Cliff.
Wednesday’s contest will be available live on the web via the Concordia Sports Network.