2011 Women's Soccer schedule/results

9-9-1 Overall, 6-4-0 GPAC - Season statistics

AUGUST
Aug. 27	Bellevue University	Seward, Neb.	L 2-1
Aug. 31	#24 Benedictine College	Atchison, Kan.	L 6-1
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 6	#23 Kansas Wesleyan	Salina, Kan.	L 3-1
Sept. 10	Midland Tournament	Fremont, Neb.
	Ottawa University		W 5-4 (2 OT)
Sept. 11	Midland Tournament	Fremont, Neb.
	Waldorf College		L 4-3
Sept. 17	Sterling College	Seward, Neb.	W 2-0
Sept. 24	Dordt College *	Seward, Neb.	W 2-0
Sept. 28	#19 Hastings College *	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-0
OCTOBER
Oct. 1	Dakota Wesleyan *	Mitchell, S.D.	W 4-3 (OT)
Oct. 4	York College	York, Neb.	W 1-0
Oct. 8	Mount Marty College *	Seward, Neb.	W 4-0
Oct. 12	Midland University *	Seward, Neb.	L 2-1
Oct. 15	Morningside College *	Sioux City, Iowa	W 2-0
Oct. 19	Nebraska Wesleyan *	Seward, Neb.	W 2-1 ( 2 OT)
Oct. 22	Briar Cliff University *	Seward, Neb.	W 4-1
Oct. 26	Doane College *	Crete, Neb.	L 3-2 (2 OT)
Oct. 29	Northwestern College *	Orange City, Iowa	L 2-1
NOVEMBER
GPAC Tournament:
Nov. 3	Dakota Wesleyan University	Seward, Neb.	T 1-1 (2 OT) Concordia advances 4-3 on penalty kicks
Nov. 8	Hastings College	Hastings, Neb.	L 3-1

*Great Plains Athletic Conference Games

All Home Games in BOLD

2011 Bulldog Women's Soccer

No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Yr.

Hometown

Previous School

Ariel Harris

5-3

Sr.

Valley Center, Calif.

Valley Center

Lindsey Spaits

5-8

So.

Bloomington, Ill.

University

Rachel Gordon

5-4

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Northeast

Emily Fleming

5-7

So.

Gretna, Neb.

Gretna

Kelsie Elder

5-4

Jr.

Denver, Colo.

Legacy

Mia Pauluhn

5-8

Sr.

St. Louis, Mo.

Lutheran North

Jamie Sanchez

5-7

Sr.

Lincoln, Neb.

University of Nebraska

Mallorie Blanck

5-3

Sr.

Manhattan, Kan.

Manhattan

Kelly Ross

5-6

Sr.

Calgary, AB

Montana State Univ.

Kayla Asche

5-7

So.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Ashlie Sklenicka

CM/F

5-4

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Northeast

Taylor Johnson

5-6

Fr.

Wichita, Kan.

Trinity Academy

Morgan Ihde

5-7

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Northstar

Kaela Geyer

5-4

Sr.

St. Louis, Mo.

Home school

Becky Walrath

5-9

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Northeast

Annalisa Condame

D/M

5-4

Fr.

Winter Springs, Fla.

Winter Springs

Shelby Knorr

5-4

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Southwest

Meredith Hein

5-0

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Jordan Donohoue

5-2

So.

Manhattan, Kan.

Manhattan HS

Katrina Muther

5-3

Fr.

Rockford, Ill.

Rockford Lutheran

Kyleah Bowder

5-7

Jr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Northeast

Melissa Stine

5-4

Fr.

Omaha, Neb.

Platteview HS

Molly Humlicek

5-11

Sr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Lutheran

Courtney Cale

5-6

Jr.

Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City North

Claire Borer

5-9

Fr.

Lincoln, Neb.

Lincoln Northeast

Louisa Mehl

5-5

So.

Concordia, Mo.

St. Paul Lutheran

Marcie Sindt

5-7

Fr.

Scottsbluff, Neb.

Scottsbluff

Rachel Mussell

5-8

Fr.

Buffalo, Minn.

Wright County

Jessica Clifford

5-5

Jr.

Spokane, Wash.

Edmonds College

Coaching staff

Head coach: Lisa White

Graduate assistant coach: Joseph Gillespie

Student assistant coach: Chelsey Creedon

Expectations high as 2011 women's soccer season approaches

11 AUG 2011

There are high hopes for the Concordia University women’s soccer team heading into the 2011 season. The Bulldogs were 9-8-1 overall and 5-5-1 in GPAC play during the 2010 season. Concordia was selected to finish sixth in the GPAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Concordia advanced to the GPAC Tournament in 2010 and was defeated in the first round by Hastings College, the eventual NAIA National Runner-up. Despite making the conference tournament a year ago, Bulldog head coach Lisa White expects more from her 2011 squad.

“There is a history of our team running into a familiar wall, a wall that says we will not advance to the second round of the playoffs,” remarked White. “This team fully intends to destroy that wall and prevent history from repeating itself. There is an urgency and responsibility felt by our seniors to forge new ground this season and leave a path for their younger teammates.”

Concordia is excited about its recruiting class, but a deep and talented returning group of starters and letter winners will lead the way in 2011. There should be plenty of offense, as the Bulldogs return six of their top seven goal scorers from a year ago.

Seniors Jamie Sanchez and Kelly Ross both received GPAC honors for their efforts in 2010. Sanchez, a transfer from the University of Nebraska, was a second team All-GPAC performer. She led the team with 11 goals and was second on the team with six assists. Her 28 total points easily led the team. Ross, a transfer from Montana State University, was an honorable mention All-GPAC selection last year. She tied for third on the team with six goals in 2010. She also added a pair of assists for a total of 14 points.

Mallorie Blanck, Jordan Donohoue and Molly Humlicek also return this year for the Bulldogs. Blanck and Humlicek will provide an offensive spark and even more senior leadership for Concordia this year. Blanck was second on the team with eight goals scored last year as a junior. Humlicek scored four goals from her midfield position as a junior in 2010. Donohoue had a strong freshman season a year ago for the Bulldogs. She totaled five goals and was third on the team with five assists for a total of 15 points.

Concordia also returns several key defenders from last year’s squad. Senior Mia Pauluhn appeared in all 18 games with 16 starts in 2010. Kayla Asche and Emily Fleming each appeared in 17 games, while Kyleah Bowder appeared in 15 games for the Bulldogs last year. Ariel Harris also returns for her senior season in goal for the Bulldogs. Harris started 17 games in 2010 and finished with three shutouts and 82 saves on the year.

“Our team will have an exact balance of returning and new players,” remarked White. “Our senior class consists of seven players, and I would anticipate that they will continue to be influential to their teammates on and off the field. We also have a great recruiting class as well, and each newcomer has a unique set of talents and abilities that will contribute to our overall success.”

The GPAC should again be highly competitive in 2011. A total of eight teams finished at or above .500 in conference play last year. Traditional powers Hastings College and Dakota Wesleyan should be strong once again. However, several other GPAC teams should also be strong contenders in the league.

“We want to see this team become and remain unbreakable as a family and in the win/loss column,” noted White. “A major strength of this team is its desire to be a family first and foremost. They understand that they must rely on each other to achieve the success they are capable of.”

Concordia opens the 2011 season at home on August 27 against Bellevue University.

Late rally not enough as Concordia falls to Bellevue, 2-1

27 AUG 2011

Bellevue University 2, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

Bellevue University held on for a 2-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on Saturday evening in Seward.

The Bruins jumped on top in the first half with a goal by Alyssa Porter. Bellevue took the 1-0 lead into halftime. Both teams totaled six shots in the opening half of play. Concordia had some good opportunities in the first half but could not capitalize. Concordia’s best opportunity came on a penalty kick midway through the first half. Bellevue goalie Caitlin Stier made a key save off the penalty kick by Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.), and the Bruins grabbed the lead shortly after.

Bellevue took a 2-0 lead at the 68-minute mark. Jessica Damery found the net following a corner kick by Yaritza Estrada. Concordia attempted a late rally. Stier made yet another save on a Concordia penalty kick, but Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.) scored off the rebound to cut the deficit to one with less than five minutes remaining. The Bulldogs couldn’t net the equalizing goal, however, and the Bruins secured the 2-1 win.

Concordia finished with 19 shots (10 on goal) in the contest. Blanck finished with a game-high seven shots, while Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) added three shots in the contest. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves but suffered the loss in goal for the Bulldogs.

Estrada had three shots on goal to lead Bellevue University. Stier made nine saves and picked up the win in goal for the Bruins.

The Bulldogs travel to #24 Benedictine College on August 31.

Bulldogs fall to 0-2 on the year with 6-1 loss at #24 Benedictine College

31 AUG 2011

#24 Benedictine College 6, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

Benedictine College, ranked No. 24 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, picked up an easy 6-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia on Wednesday night in Atchison, Kansas. The host Ravens improved to 1-1 on the year, while the Bulldogs remained winless at 0-2.

The Ravens took the lead just nine minutes into the contest on a goal by Ashley Washburn. Erin O’Brien and Cassie Trandahl each added goals for Benedictine in the opening half of the play, and the Ravens held a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.

It was more of the same in the second half, as Hannah Francescon scored two straight goals for Benedictine to put the Ravens up 5-0 with 20 minutes remaining in the contest. Trandahl added her second goal of the game to put the Ravens up 6-0. Concordia scored its lone goal in the final minute, as Becky Walrath (Lincoln, Neb.) scored her first goal of the season.

Benedictine totaled 31 shots compared to just 13 for the Bulldogs. Francescon finished with two goals and an assist to lead the way for the Ravens, while Trandahl also delivered two goals for Benedictine. Erin O’Brien totaled a match-high nine shots on the evening. Carissa Gregory made eight saves and allowed just the one goal to pick up the win in goal.

Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) had four shots on goal to lead Concordia. Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) added three shots on goal in the loss. Senior goalie Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) had a tough night, allowing the six goals in just over 74 minutes of action. Lindsey Spaits (Bloomington, Ill.) finished the game in net for the Bulldogs.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier, as Concordia will now travel to #23 Kansas Wesleyan University on September 6.

#23 Kansas Wesleyan tops Concordia, 3-1

7 SEPT 2011

#23 Kansas Wesleyan University 3, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

Kansas Wesleyan picked up a 3-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on Tuesday evening. The Coyotes, ranked 23rd in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improved to 2-0 on the year with the win. Concordia dropped to 0-3.

KWU took a 1-0 lead into halftime following a goal in the 17th minute by Kelsey Strang. The Coyotes grabbed a 2-0 advantage at the 60-minute mark on a goal by Araceli Sanchez, and a goal by Monique Orocio in the 65th minute put Kansas Wesleyan up by the score of 3-0.

Concordia avoided the shutout with a goal by Rachel Gordon in the 72nd minute. The offensive struggles continued for the Bulldogs, who totaled just two corner kicks and seven shots on goal in the match. Kelly Ross (Calgary, Can.) totaled a team-best two shots on goal for the Bulldogs in defeat. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) allowed the three goals and made one save in net for Concordia.

Amanda Radich made six saves on the night for the Coyotes.

Concordia will take part in the Midland University Tournament on September 10 and 11.

Bulldogs pick up first win of the season, 5-4, over Ottawa University

10 SEPT 2011

Concordia University 5, Ottawa University 4 (view stats)

The Concordia University women’s soccer team rallied for a 5-4 win over Ottawa University in double overtime on Saturday at the Midland University tournament. The Bulldogs improved to 1-3 on the year with the win.

Ottawa had a 4-2 lead with less than 30 minutes remaining in the contest, but Concordia scored two goals within six minutes to send the match into extra time.

Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) scored Concordia’s lone goal of the first half. However, goals by Kelsey Hanna and Alex Rivas put the Lady Braves up 2-1 heading into halftime.

Sanchez answered with her second goal of the match to tie the game at 2-2 early in the second half, but Ottawa again had an answer. Nicole Radcliffe and Jasmine Gandy scored to put the Lady Braves back up by two at 4-2 with 29 minutes left in regulation.

Concordia cut the lead to one with a goal by Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) in the 78th minute. Less than six minutes later, Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.) scored off an assist from Sanchez to tie the score at 4-4. Blanck scored her second goal of the match in extra time to lift the Bulldogs to the exciting win.

Concordia totaled 26 shots in the match compared to just 14 for Ottawa. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made five saves to pick up the win in goal. Lauren Peil made eight saves but allowed the five goals for Ottawa.

The Bulldogs continue play in the Midland University tournament on Sunday with an 11 a.m. match against Waldorf College.

Waldorf College rallies for 4-3 win over Concordia

11 SEPT 2011

Waldorf College 4, Concordia University 3 (view stats)

Waldorf College used three goals by Molly O’Brien in the second half to rally for a 4-3 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on Sunday at the Midland University Tournament. The Bulldogs dropped to 1-4 on the year with the loss.

Concordia took a 3-1 lead into halftime. Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) scored early in the match to put the Bulldogs on top. Waldorf tied the match with a goal by Tiffany McNelly in the 20th minute, but Concordia quickly reclaimed the lead on a goal by Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) in the 24th minute. Blanck scored her second goal of the match to increase the Bulldog lead to 3-1 in the 38th minute. Sanchez was credited with the assist.

Waldorf started the rally with a goal by O’Brien in the 53rd minute. O’Brien then scored in the 83rd and 88th minutes to put Waldorf up for good.

The Bulldogs held a 23-11 shot advantage and a 5-2 corner kick advantage in the match. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made six saves but suffered the loss in net for the Bulldogs. Kaylee Vitale made 11 saves to pick up the win for Waldorf.

Concordia hosts Sterling College on September 17.

Concordia uses goals by Blanck to pick up 2-0 win over Sterling College

17 SEPT 2011

Concordia University 2, Sterling College 0 (view stats)

Mallorie Blanck scored a pair of goals in the first half, and the Concordia University women’s soccer team picked up a 2-0 win over Sterling College on Saturday afternoon in Seward. The Bulldogs improved to 2-4 on the year with the victory, while Sterling dropped to 3-3.

Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) scored her team-best fifth and sixth goals of the year in the Concordia win. Her first goal of the game came 17 minutes into the contest following a Concordia corner kick. Blanck’s second goal of the game came in the 28th minute off a nice assist by Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.). Blanck’s second goal came from about 15 yards out. She turned quickly following the pass from Stine, and a perfect shot in the lower left side of the goal gave the Bulldogs the 2-0 advantage.

Concordia had multiple other scoring chances throughout the game with several shots just wide and a few shots off the posts. The Bulldog defense was solid throughout, limiting Sterling to just two shots in the match.

Concordia totaled 16 shots with four shots on goal. Blanck led the way with seven total shots. Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) followed with four shots, and Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) added three shots on the day. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made two saves and earned the win in net for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs open GPAC play next weekend with a home contest against Nebraska Wesleyan on September 24. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Concordia opens GPAC play with 2-0 win over Dordt College

24 SEPT 2011

Concordia University 2, Dordt College 0 (view stats)

The Concordia University women’s soccer team opened conference play with an impressive 2-0 win over Dordt College on Saturday afternoon in Seward. The Bulldogs held a 17-2 shot advantage in the contest, and a pair of goals by Mallorie Blanck lifted Concordia to the victory. With the win, Concordia moved to 3-4 (1-0 GPAC). Dordt dropped to 2-6 (0-1 GPAC).

Concordia took the lead in the 21st minute. Blanck turned and fired a shot from 15-yards out to beat the Dordt goalie. Molly Humlicek (Lincoln, Neb.) and Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) picked up the assists on the play. With just 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Blanck struck again to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. Senior Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) delivered a great pass over the top of a Dordt defender to find a wide open Blanck. Blanck found the net with her team-best eighth goal of the year.

“Today is a good confidence boost for us, because we’re trying to battle back from a losing record,” remarked Blanck, last week’s GPAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week. “Our record had us down a little bit, but we came out today and gave it everything we had. Starting the conference season off with a win gives us confidence.”

Blanck finished with 11 shots on the day (5 on goal). A total of six other Bulldog players had single shots on the day. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) picked up the shutout in goal for the Bulldogs. Harris and the Bulldog defense stayed strong throughout the match, and the Defenders struggled to piece anything together offensively.

“This is as many goals as I had all of last year, so that gives me some confidence individually,” noted Blanck. “I worked really hard over the summer, and that work has paid off. I couldn’t score these goals without my teammates, though. It starts with our back line, and my teammates have done a great job finding me.”

The Bulldogs travel to Hastings College on September 28 for a 5 p.m. contest against the Broncos. Hastings College is ranked 17th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll. Hastings is currently the only GPAC team ranked in the Top 25, and the Bulldogs sound excited for the match.

“Hastings has a great program, and they are a team we would really like to beat,” remarked Blanck. “We played them twice last year, and they were very competitive games. We’re playing well, and we want to keep the momentum going.”

Carlson's hat-trick lifts #19 Hastings past Concordia

28 SEPT 2011

#19 Hastings College 3, Concordia University 0 (view stats)

Jessica Carlson scored all three goals as Hastings College picked up a 3-0 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on Wednesday evening in Hastings. Hastings College, ranked 19th in the latest NAIA Top 25, improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in GPAC play with the victory. Concordia’s two-game winning streak was snapped. The Bulldogs dropped to 3-5 overall and 1-1 in GPAC play.

Hastings held a commanding 23-8 shot advantage. Carlson struck with her first goal late in the first half, and the Broncos took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Carlson added her other two goals in the 77th and 82nd minutes. Her last goal came off an assist by Taylor Voycheske. Carlson finished with 10 shots (four on goal) in the Bronco win. Tenaya Howsden made two saves and earned the win in goal for the Broncos.

Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) totaled five shots (just one on goal) for Concordia. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made five saves but suffered the loss for the Bulldogs.

Concordia continues conference play with a road contest at Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday.

Late goal by Sanchez lifts Bulldogs to 1-0 win over York College

4 OCT 2011

Concordia University 1, York College 0 (view stats)

Concordia’s Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) scored in the final minute to lift the Bulldog women’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over York College on Tuesday afternoon in York. The Bulldogs improved to 5-5-1 with the win, while York slipped to 5-6-1 on the year.

Concordia held a huge advantage in shots in the contest, but York goalie Jordan Veness made 14 saves to keep the Panthers in the game. With just 32 seconds remaining in regulation, Sanchez scored on a header to secure the win for the Bulldogs. Kyleah Bowder (Lincoln, Neb.) and Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) picked up the assists on the Sanchez goal.

Sanchez finished with a game-high nine shots (five on goal). Mallorie Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) added four shots in the game. No player had more than one shot for York College. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves and picked up the shutout in net for the Bulldogs.

Concordia returns to conference play on October 8. The Bulldogs host Mount Marty (5:15 pm) on Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium.

Concordia defeats Mount Marty, 4-0, for third straight win

8 OCT 2011

Concordia University 4, Mount Marty College 0 (view stats)

Concordia University picked up a 4-0 women’s soccer win over Mount Marty College on Saturday evening in Seward. The Bulldogs have now won three straight and sit at 6-5 overall and 3-1 in conference play. Mount Marty remained winless at 0-11 (0-5 GPAC).

The Bulldogs struck for three goals in the first half to take control of the match. Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) with a header in the sixth minute. The goal came off a corner kick, and Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) was credited with the assist on the seventh goal of the season by Sanchez.

Less than 10 minutes later, Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.) scored her third goal of the year to increase the Bulldog lead to 2-0. Rachel Mussell (Buffalo, Minn.) added a goal in the 34th minute for a 3-0 Concordia lead. Rachel Gordon (Lincoln, Neb.) had the assist on Mussell’s goal.

Midway through the second half, Louisa Mehl (Concordia, Mo.) scored Concordia’s fourth goal following a Bulldog corner kick. Kelsie Elder (Denver, Colo.) picked up the assist.

Concordia totaled 16 shots on goal in the match. Mount Marty had no shots on goal in the match. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) and Lindsey Spaits (Bloomington, Ill.) combined for the shutout in net for Concordia. Jennifer Nelson made 12 saves in a losing effort for Mount Marty.

The Bulldogs host Midland University on October 12. Start time is 5 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Hermes leads Midland University past Concordia, 2-1

12 OCT 2011

Midland University 2, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

A pair of goals by Nicola Hermes lifted Midland University to a 2-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia University on a chilly Wednesday evening in Seward. The Warriors improved to 8-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play. Concordia slipped to 6-6 overall and 3-2 in conference play.

Hermes scored the opening goal of the game in the 10th minute. It was the ninth goal of the season for Hermes, and the visiting Warriors took the 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

Concordia tied the match at 1-1 in the 68th minute. Bulldog sophomore Emily Fleming (Gretna, Neb.) ripped a shot from around 25 yards out. Fleming’s shot glanced off the left post and just crossed the line to tie the score. It was Fleming’s first goal of the season.

Midland took the lead with less than 12 minutes remaining in regulation. Hermes scored her second of the game and 10th of the season to put the Warriors back on top. Concordia had some opportunities down the stretch, but Midland goalie Beth Russell and the Warrior defense secured the win.

The Warriors totaled nine shots on the night with five shots on goal. Concordia finished with 17 total shots and seven shots on goal.

Russell allowed the one goal and made six saves on the evening. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves and took the loss in goal for the Bulldogs.

Concordia travels to Morningside College on October 15. Action is set to begin at 1 p.m. in Sioux City.

Early goals lift Concordia to 2-0 win over Morningside

15 OCT 2011

Concordia University 2, Morningside College 0 (view stats)

Concordia scored a pair of early goals in the first half to pick up a 2-0 women’s soccer win over Morningside College on Saturday in Sioux City. The Bulldogs improved to 7-6 overall (4-2 GPAC) with the win, while the Mustangs dropped to 8-6-1 overall (3-4 GPAC).

Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.) scored in the second minute of the contest to give Concordia the early 1-0 advantage. Emily Fleming (Gretna, Neb.) picked up the assist on Donohoue’s fourth goal of the season. Just two minutes later, Concordia struck again with a goal by Molly Humlicek (Lincoln, Neb.). Rachel Gordon (Lincoln, Neb.) delivered a corner kick, and Humlicek headed it in for her second goal of the season.

Goalie Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) and the Bulldog defense took over from there. Harris made 10 saves on the day to earn the shutout in net. Donohoue and Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.) each had four shots to lead the way for the Bulldogs, who totaled 12 shots (nine on goal) in the win.

Maggie Kukuk had a game-high eight shots (six on goal) for Morningside. Miranda Gonka added four shots (two on goal). Alyssa Reed made seven saves but suffered the loss for the Mustangs.

Concordia returns home to host Nebraska Wesleyan University on October 19. Scheduled start time is 5 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Bulldogs nip Nebraska Wesleyan, 2-1, in double overtime

20 OCT 2011

Concordia University 2, Nebraska Wesleyan University 1 (2 OT) (view stats)

Concordia’s Rachel Mussell scored in the first minute of the second overtime period to lift Concordia University to a 2-1 women’s soccer win over Nebraska Wesleyan on Wednesday evening in Seward. It was the second straight win for Concordia, who improved to 8-6 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Nebraska Wesleyan fell to 5-10 overall and 2-5 in the GPAC.

Concordia held a commanding 31-5 shot advantage in the match. The Bulldogs didn’t strike, however, until fairly late in the second half. Becky Walrath (Lincoln, Neb.) scored to put Concordia on top. Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) delivered the assist on Walrath’s goal.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the visiting Prairie Wolves tied the score with a goal by Shannon Surber. It was Surber’s fourth goal of the year.

The Bulldogs scored the game-winner just 30 seconds into the second overtime period. Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.) delivered a pass to Mussell (Buffalo, Minn.), who ended the match with her second goal of the year.

Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves in net for Concordia. Emily Dierks made nine saves but suffered the loss for Nebraska Wesleyan.

Concordia hosts Briar Cliff University on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Senior Night at Bulldog Stadium.

Bulldogs celebrate Senior Night with 4-1 win over Briar Cliff

22 OCt 2011

Concordia University 4, Briar Cliff University 1 (view stats)

Concordia University celebrated Senior Night with a 4-1 women’s soccer win over Briar Cliff University on Saturday evening in Seward. It was the third straight win for the Bulldogs, who improved to 9-6 overall and 6-2 in GPAC play. Briar Cliff dropped to 4-11-1 and 1-7 in conference play.

The Bulldogs controlled play for much of the game and held a 34-6 shot advantage in the win. Midway through the first half of play, Concordia took the lead with a goal by Jordan Donohoue. Donohoue’s (Manhattan, Kan.) fifth goal of the year gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage. With just six minutes remaining in the opening half of play, Concordia added to its lead with a goal by Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB). Ross scored following a corner kick by Shelby Knorr (Lincoln, Neb.). It was the first goal of the year for Ross, who leads the team with six assists.

Kaela Geyer scored in the 56th minute to increase the Bulldog lead to 3-0. Donohoue had the assist on Geyer’s goal. It was Geyer’s (St. Louis, Mo.) first goal of the year. Less than 10 minutes later, Concordia poured it on with a goal by Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.). The unassisted goal was Stine’s first goal of the year. Asheya Mogensen scored Briar Cliff’s lone goal in the 68th minute.

Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made three saves and picked up the win in net for the Bulldogs. Kalynn Sortino made 11 saves but suffered the loss for Briar Cliff.

Concordia has two games remaining in the regular season. The Bulldogs are currently third in the GPAC standings. Concordia travels to Doane College (Oct. 26) and Northwestern College (Oct. 29) to conclude conference play.

Doane rallies late for 3-2 win over Concordia

26 OCT 2011

Doane College 3, Concordia University 2 (2 OT) (view stats)

Doane College rallied for a 3-2 women’s soccer win over Concordia on Wednesday evening in Crete. Concordia had a 2-1 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the contest, but the host Tigers pulled out the key conference win to improve to 10-3-2 overall and 8-1 in the GPAC. Concordia had its 3-game winning streak snapped to fall to 9-7 overall and 6-3 in conference play.

Doane jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal by Ally Tamerius in the 11th minute. Kailey Blazek and Alyssa Davis picked up the assists on the opening goal of the game. Concordia answered in the 31st minute with a goal by Morgan Ihde (Lincoln, Neb.). Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.) had the assist on Ihde’s goal, and the game went to halftime tied at 1-1.

The score remained the same until late in the second half. With just 11 minutes remaining in regulation, Ihde scored her second of the game to give Concordia a 2-1 advantage. Rachel Mussell (Buffalo, Minn.) was credited with the assist, and it looked as though Concordia was going to move into sole possession of second place in the conference standings. However, with less than eight minutes remaining, Morgan Karloff scored the equalizer for Doane off an assist by Courtney Richards. Each team had shots at the goal late in regulation, but the match went to overtime tied at 2-2.

In the first overtime, Doane recorded the only shot of the period. In the third minute of the second overtime, Tamerius scored her second of the match to give Doane the 3-2 victory. Mia Juarez picked up the assist on the game-winning goal.

Doane held a 26-16 total shot advantage. The Tigers finished with 13 shots on goal compared to 10 for Concordia. Karloff led the way for Doane with seven total shots. Ihde had seven shots for Concordia. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made 10 saves in net for the Bulldogs. Kelsey Stark made eight saves to earn the win in net for Doane College.

Concordia concludes the regular season with a match at Northwestern College on Saturday.

Bulldogs end regular season with 2-1 loss at Northwestern

29 OCT 2011

Northwestern College 2, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

Northwestern College scored a pair of goals early in the second half and held on for a 2-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia on Saturday evening in Orange City. It was the second straight loss for the Bulldogs, who finish the regular season with a record of 9-8 overall and 6-4 in the GPAC. Northwestern moved to 4-11-3 overall and 2-8 in conference play with the win.

Just five minutes into the second half, Tyler Farr put Northwestern on top with a goal. Alli Dunkelberger had the assist on the first Red Raider goal. Alyssa Duren added an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute to increase the Northwestern lead to 2-0. Concordia scored in the 71st minute on a penalty kick goal by Becky Walrath (Lincoln, Neb.), but the Bulldogs were unable to rally down the stretch.

Concordia held a 22-17 overall shot advantage in the match. The Bulldogs also held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. Kelly Ross (Calgary, AB) and Rachel Gordon (Lincoln, Neb.) each had six shots for Concordia in the loss. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made seven saves for Concordia in a losing effort. Dunkelberger had a game-high seven shots for Northwestern. Wendy Hofmeyer made 14 saves for the Raiders to earn the win.

The Bulldogs finished fourth in the conference standings with a 6-4 record. Dakota Wesleyan and Dordt College also finished with 6-4 records, but Concordia holds the tiebreaker over both of those teams. Concordia will open GPAC Tournament play on November 3. Official tournament brackets will be released yet this weekend. Stay tuned to www.cune.edu/athletics for times and locations for all Bulldog postseason soccer contests.

Bulldogs win on penalty kicks, advance to GPAC semifinals

3 NOV 2011

Concordia University 1, Dakota Wesleyan 1 (2 OT) (view stats)

Concordia University advanced to the semifinals of the GPAC Women’s Soccer Tournament on Thursday evening in Seward. Concordia and Dakota Wesleyan played to a 1-1 tie in double overtime, but the Bulldogs advanced 4-3 on penalty kicks. With the win, Concordia moves on to play top-seeded Hastings College on November 8.

Concordia took a 1-0 lead early in the second half with a goal by Jordan Donohoue (Manhattan, Kan.). In the 61st minute, however, Dakota Wesleyan tied the match with a goal by Yutzil Rodriguez. Each team had chances down the stretch, but neither team could score the game-winner. The match went through both overtime periods with no goals scored, and a shootout was needed to determine the winner.

Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made eight saves in regulation, but her biggest two saves came in the shootout. Kayla Pahl scored to put DWU up 1-0, and Becky Walrath (Lincoln, Neb.) answered with a goal for Concordia to tie the score. Skye Pahl followed with a goal for DWU, and Rachel Gordon (Lincoln, Neb.) scored for the Bulldogs to tie things up once again. Kasha Roberts went third for the Tigers, but Harris dove to her left to make a key save. A goal by Jamie Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) gave Concordia a 3-2 advantage in the shootout. Abby Hubbard was fourth for the Tigers, but her shot was saved once again by Harris, who came up with her second huge save of the shootout. Donohoue was unable to score the game-winner for the Bulldogs, but Concordia still held a 3-2 advantage heading into the teams’ fifth and final kickers. Rodriguez scored for DWU to knot the score at 3-3, but Kelly Ross (Calgary, Alberta) connected with the game-winner to push Concordia into the semifinals.

Following the match, Head Coach Lisa White and goalie Ariel Harris discussed the win.

“The heart of this team is incredible,” remarked White, who is in her second season as head coach. “These girls just never give up, and I am so proud of them.”

“Our team fought the whole night,” added Harris. “Our effort tonight just shows all the hard work we have put in throughout the season.” As for the shootout, Harris had mixed emotions going in. “I’ve been successful in shootouts in the past, but I was nervous since this was my first shootout at Concordia,” noted Harris. “I just tried to read them right and give myself a chance, and fortunately I was able to keep a couple of them out.”

Concordia now travels to take on Hastings College in the semifinals of the GPAC Tournament. Hastings picked up a 3-0 win over the Bulldogs back in September, but if Thursday night was any sign of things to come, Concordia certainly won’t back down from the challenge.

“We can learn a lot from what we did tonight,” said Harris. “We have a lot of respect for Hastings College, but we’ll just play hard like we did tonight. We want to pressure and attack, and hopefully we’ll keep things moving in the right direction.”

Season comes to an end with 3-1 loss to Hastings College

8 NOV 2011

#12 Hastings College 3, Concordia University 1 (view stats)

Jessica Carlson scored a pair of goals, and top-seeded Hastings College picked up a 3-1 women’s soccer win over Concordia in the semi-final round of the GPAC Tournament. With the win, Hastings College, ranked 12th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, advances to the GPAC Championship game. Concordia ended the season at 9-9-1.

Hastings took the lead early in the contest with a goal by Esmeralda Lacayo. Lacayo managed to chip a shot over the head of Bulldog goalie Ariel Harris to give Hastings the lead in just the sixth minute. Carlson scored her first of the game just minutes before the halftime break to increase the Bronco lead to 2-0. Sara Wenzl picked up the assist, and Hastings took the 2-0 advantage into halftime.

Early in the second half, Carlson found the net again with her second of the match. Carlson got the ball in the middle of the field, and her shot snuck past Harris for a 3-0 Hastings lead. In the 62nd minute, Concordia scored its lone goal of the contest with a penalty kick goal by Becky Walrath (Lincoln, Neb.).

Hastings held a slim 13-12 overall shot advantage. Each team finished with eight shots on goal. Melissa Stine (Omaha, Neb.) tied for game-high honors with five shots (all on goal). Walrath added three shots (two on goal) in the contest. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) made five saves in a losing effort for the Bulldogs.

Carlson totaled five shots (three on goal) for Hastings in the win. Lacayo added three shots on the night. Tenaya Howsden made seven saves to earn the win for the Broncos.

Blanck and Ross highlight 2011 All-GPAC Team

15 NOV 2011

Mallorie Blanck and Kelly Ross highlighted the 2011 GPAC Women’s Soccer All-Conference Team which was released on Monday. Both Blanck and Ross earned second team All-GPAC recognition, while Ariel Harris, Rachel Gordon, Jamie Sanchez and Molly Humlicek were honorable mention selections for the Bulldogs.

Despite missing the final part of the season due to injury, Blanck (Manhattan, Kan.) still led Concordia with nine goals on the season. She also added an assist for a total of 19 points. Blanck had a team-high 54 shots with 24 on goal during the 2011 season. She also added three game-winning goals.

Ross (Calgary, Alberta) finished with one goal and a team-best six assists for the Bulldogs this year. The senior totaled 53 shots (second on team) with 24 shots on goal and was a leader for the Bulldogs at the midfield position.

Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.) finished her Bulldog career with a solid year in goal. Harris was 9-8-1 on the year with five shutouts. She totaled 87 saves and finished with a 1.97 goals against average in 2011.

Gordon, a freshman from Lincoln, appeared in 18 games with 16 starts in her first season. She totaled one goal and two assists from the midfield position. Sanchez (Lincoln, Neb.) battled an injury during the second half of the year but still finished second on the team with seven goals scored. She also added four assists (second on team) for a total of 18 points. Humlicek, another senior from Lincoln, started 18 games for Concordia in 2011. She finished with totals of two goals and one assist on the year.

Concordia was 9-9-1 overall and 6-4 in conference play this season. The Bulldogs advanced to the semi-finals of the GPAC Tournament.

Seven named as 2011 NAIA scholar-athletes

2 DEC 2011

Concordia University placed seven on the 2011 women’s soccer Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete list which was released on Friday. A total of 485 athletes earned the honor this year.

Courtney Cale (Sioux City, Iowa) and Kelsie Elder (Denver, Colo.) were selected from the junior class. Ariel Harris (Valley Center, Calif.), Kaela Geyer (St. Louis, Mo.), Molly Humlicek (Lincoln, Neb.), Mia Pauluhn (St. Louis, Mo.) and Kelly Ross (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) were all selected from Concordia’s 2011 senior class.

Student-athletes are nominated by their school’s head coach and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status in order to qualify.