ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Soccer went toe-to-toe with Missouri Baptist University before coming up shy (2-1) in the final on Saturday (Aug. 30). The Bulldogs pushed to make a comeback in the waning minutes but were unable to punch in an equalizer. Kai Olbrich notched the first goal for CUNE of 2025.
Head Coach Jason Wiedes’ side starts the campaign 0-3 in an early tough non-conference schedule.
“Overall, it was a much improved performance for us,” said Coach Weides. “We took a huge step forward in our pressing and our intensity. We created more chances and it was night and day difference. I think the frustrating thing is that it comes in a loss. We don’t have a win to show that progress, unfortunately, we didn’t convert on those chances today. Early on, I felt like we controlled the match and came out with good energy then they settled in, and it was kind of back and forth.”
Down two in the second, Concordia was awarded a penalty kick after Connor Robbins was fouled inside the box. Kai Olbrich swung around the ball and buried the score in the near bottom corner to put the Bulldogs within striking distance.
Making advances to the opposing box, the side from Seward couldn’t get the lucky bounce in the final minutes.
Controlling the pace in the opening frame, Concordia opened with a shot from Niko Nareike. Despite a first and second half flurry of shots, the Bulldogs couldn’t find the back of the net. Leading in shots were: Milo Hegarty (three), Nareike (two) and Slade Leicht (two). Goalkeeper Nolan Fuelberth grabbed five saves and has six in the first two games.
In a physical contest, CUNE had 12 fouls, five more than the opponents, but the Spartans had four yellow cards to the visitors' nil.
Missouri Baptist’s Anthony Coppotelli scored (40’) breaking the tie in the first half via an assist by Jake Champion. Craig Moore would score the eventual game winner from a pass through teammate Matthew O’Reily. The Spartans had an advantage in one category for corner kicks (11-3). MBU (1-1) will take on Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.) this coming Wednesday.
Concordia (0-3) will go back out on the road, this time to Kansas, and compete against Benedictine College (2-0-1) on Wednesday. The Bulldogs will be on the field at 7:30 p.m. CT at Legacy Field. The Ravens bested CUNE in a 1-0 match in 2024.