FULTON, Mo. – The Bulldogs are on a two-game trip to Missouri and kicked off versus William Woods University, dropping the contest 2-0 on Thursday (Aug. 28). Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Soccer was able to make a push in the second half but came up empty in the net.
Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad moves down to 0-2 and is searching for its first goal of the season.
“Guys came together and tried to respond, but we weren’t great in the opening minutes,” said Coach Weides. “It was frustrating to not start our game on the front foot. We made a few adjustments and got a little bit better in the second half, but we lacked energy and commitment to things. Outside of a few moments, we got beaten in the areas that don’t require talent. We got beat to 50-50 balls. We got beat in transition. We struggled to do the basics well and just overcomplicated things.”
The Owls came out going for goals and Miles Andrews (9’) scored early to put the home team off their heels and in a comfortable position. Andrews shot for William Woods after a deflection and found the back of the net. While Concordia possessed the ball for the majority, it was unable to sustain builds in the attacking third and would have to brace for the many counterattacks of the Owls.
Out of the break, the Bulldogs made their move, pushing three of their six shots, but nothing was made of the effort. Another counterattack proved true for WWU as Mortiz Schafer linked up with Andrews for the team’s second frame score.
Concordia Goalkeeper Iñigo Chavarria Beunartea took his first starting role and made six saves in his highly contested opener. The Jaca, Spain, native played all 90 minutes in goal.
The Bulldogs had six shots from five different players, including Hugo Garrote (two), Milo Hegarty, Karlo Rodriguez, Cleme Suarez, and Mike Wyvill.
William Woods (1-1) shot 20 times with 10 on goal as Andrews led with seven (three SOG) of his own. Charlie Williams had three total shots and keeper Matthew Dworak grabbed two saves in the 90 minutes. The Owls will face Columbia College on Monday.
The Bulldogs (0-2) will face Missouri Baptist University (0-1) on Saturday (Aug. 30). The two teams will take the field at 12 p.m. CT at Spartan Field.