BELLEVUE, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Soccer had an impressive number of offensive chances but failed to convert against No. 9 Bellevue University in a 1-0 loss. The Dawgs hounded the Bruins’ box for 17 total shots but lacked the final boot to equalize with their in-state foes on Wednesday (Sept. 10).
CUNE drops to 1-5 in the high-end effort at the new Renner Dennis Outdoor Athletic Complex.
“We played well overall, and it was a competitive game,” Head Coach Jason Weides said. “We changed our shape and the guys responded really well to that tactical switch. One of the big things when playing Bellevue, who puts a lot of pressure on you through direct play, is to be able to pick up second balls. I think we did a great job of that. The next step for us is to turn more shots into goals. We showed we can not only hang with a team like this but own the play of the game.”
The Bulldogs came out smashing the first five of six chances at the net. After minutes of backlash from the home squad, Hugo Garrote and Ricards Busmeisters shot one ball apiece to end the first half at nil. Garrote, out of Jerez De La Frontera, Spain, would notch the game high in sent balls toward the Bellevue net.
Less than two minutes into the second half, the former Bulldog Okan Erkocu sent a bending corner kick into the net for the eventual game-winning goal. With time starting to become thin, the Bulldogs shot eight out of the last nine shots in the last 18 minutes, coming out on the unlucky side of the contest.
With 17 total chances, 10 different players sent their strike toward the opposing keeper but fell shy on the scoreboard. Garrote (five), Connor Robbins (three) and Busmeisters (two) all had multiple tries for the visitors.
The Bulldogs held a talented Bellevue squad to 10 total shots (four SOG) and tied each other in fouls (12). Concordia Goalkeeper Inigo Chavarria collected three saves before leaving the game.
The Bruins led in corners (7-3) and were paced by Jeremiah Hteh (three) and Adam Sherwood (two) in shots. Goalkeeper Jaxson Staples earned the shutout and one save in the 90 minutes played. Bellevue (5-1-1) is set to play Briar Cliff on Saturday at home.
Concordia (1-5) will have a weekend break before taking on York University (3-1) next Wednesday (Sept. 17). The Bulldogs will host the Panthers at 5:30 p.m. CT in Bulldog Stadium. The two teams met last season and left in a deadlock (1-1) with a goal apiece in the contest in September.