SEWARD, Neb. – For the first time in program history, the Concordia men’s soccer team was nationally ranked (No. 25) in the NAIA coaches’ poll on Wednesday (Sept. 20). The Bulldogs are unbeaten (7-0), making them one of only two teams (Union College, Ky.) who have won all their matches in the 2023 season. Their wins over top competition such as Bellevue University (2-1) and Benedictine College (1-0) of Kansas helped thrust them onto the national scene, showing they belong in the NAIA top 25.
Head coach Jason Weides commented on the honor of being among the nationally ranked.
“Obviously getting into the top 25 isn’t our goal, but it is a nice recognition for the team’s accomplishments thus far. Our motto this year is Go Further, so getting into the top 25 is a small part of that aim. The reality is that puts a bigger target on our back. Everyone loves to beat a top 25 team. It is something we’ve enjoyed doing over the years. I’m excited to see us compete when we are getting the very best of each opponent.”
The Dawgs started the year receiving votes and began their 2023 campaign on Aug. 26 with a win (2-1) over the Yellow Jackets of Graceland (Iowa). After defeating York University (3-1) and Tabor College (1-0) out of Kansas, the Bulldogs traveled for the tough Bellevue match in a physical battle, besting the Bruins with the game winning goal in the 53rd minute.
Concordia returned home for the battle of the Bulldogs, dominating McPherson College (7-0) out of Kansas, and moved to 5-0 on the season. In their roughest defensive battle to date, the Bulldogs had a penalty kick win (1-0) over Benedictine, taken by Victor Meneses in the 39th minute. The Bulldogs entered conference play against Mount Marty on Saturday night (Sept. 16), finishing with a result (3-0) in favor of CUNE.
“I hope Bulldogs of the past also take pride in the ranking. We’ve received votes for the top 25 several times and some of our teams in the past were certainly deserving of being ranked. So, it’s nice to finally get that ranking for both this team and teams of the past. So many Bulldogs have contributed to our teams' growth over the years.”
The program has received votes from the NAIA coaches’ poll five separate seasons (15’, 17’, 19’, 22’, 23’) since 2015, but has gone a little further breaking into the top 25 as of this week. The Bulldogs have had many quality seasons over coach Weides’ 16-year tenure, but it will be exciting to watch how this 2023 team finishes the year that seems to be only the beginning.
Team leaders through seven games have been Carter Hinman (six goals), Izzy Shaddick (four assists, two goals), and Meneses (three goals). Both keepers Gabriel Mendoza and Nolan Fuelberth have competed hard in goal with two shutouts apiece.
The tests coach Weides was talking about starts tonight (Sept. 20), as Concordia hosts Dordt at Bulldog Stadium. First whistle is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.