Bulldogs blank Lancers; Tie program’s best start in GPAC era

By Chase Benton on Sep. 16, 2023 in Men's Soccer

SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs didn’t allow a shot by Mount Marty, on their way to matching the best start (7-0) since the GPAC era. The matchup on Saturday (Sept. 16) had Concordia control possession for a majority of the 90 minutes, as the Bulldogs stayed undefeated holding a +9 shot advantage.  Dre Williams put the cherry on top of the 3-0 win, striking his first score as a Dawg on a penalty kick.

With this win, Concordia goes further to 7-0, having a chance to claim full ownership of the best start on Wednesday (Sept. 20). Concordia ties Head coach Jason Weides' 2019 team, who lost in their eighth match to Kansas Wesleyan University in overtime (2-1). Coach Weides spoke on today’s win and how well the defense played through full-time.

“There were moments we needed to clean up, but we held a team to zero shots and really made it tough on Mount Marty,” commented coach Weides. “When we lost possession, our pressing and counter-pressing improved throughout the game. There were a few guys that played really well on defense, especially those rotating on the back line.”

The Bulldog defense would have an impressive night allow zero shots through the whole match. With Gabriel Mendoza in goal, he had no chances to prove himself more in an easier shutout. The Bulldogs also edged the Lancers in corner kicks, 8-2.

In the 32nd minute, Izzy Shaddick, out of Lincoln, Neb., dribbled into the box as three defenders surrounded him. Shaddick taps the ball over to Carter Hinman for the strike and his sixth score in the 2023 campaign.

Coming out of the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, Kai Olbrich drilled a low cross, via Shaddick, past the keeper. Olbrich, out of Bennington High School, punched in his second of the season to give Concordia breathing room.

“It’s a great feeling to go 7-0. It’s a great start to the season and to tie the (undefeated) start record. I just hope to be a part of that and it means so much to get my second goal. This one was a bit more important than my first one in the last few minutes of play.”

Concordia (7-0, 1-0 GPAC) will be tested in their next matchup against Dordt (3-3-1) on Wednesday (Sept. 20). The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. CT at Bulldog Stadium. The series is deadlocked at 10-10-1 but the Bulldogs have had a 7-1 advantage in the past eight meetings.