Concordia settles for scoreless tie despite dominating possession
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team dominated possession and did just about everything right on Saturday – except put the ball in the back of the net. Despite a 32-7 advantage in shots, the Bulldogs settled for a 0-0 double overtime tie with Briar Cliff (6-8-1, 4-3-1 GPAC) on a muddy surface in Sioux City, Iowa.
The tie meant head coach Jason Weides’ squad missed an opportunity to leap into second place in the league standings. At 8-4-4 overall and 4-1-3 in the GPAC (15 points), Concordia sits one point behind second-place Doane (5-3-1, 16 points).
The scoresheet provided an accurate picture of the Bulldogs’ frustration on Saturday – 17 shots on frame but no goals.
“It felt like we dominated the game in every fashion, except on the scoreboard,” Weides said. “We just could not get that goal. We held possession very well and created a lot more chances. I think our problem was two-fold – rushing in key moments and their goalkeeper just played great.”
Charger goalkeeper Dan Snider racked up 17 saves, including two in the second overtime. Snider was tested frequently by Bulldog freshman forward Toby Down, who put seven shots on frame as part of an active afternoon.
Weides also got good performances from right back Mark Campbell, center back Justin Lawrie and midfielder Carlos Acosta. Campbell even pushed the ball forward regularly and took five shots.
Their work made life easy on goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who finished with three saves and recorded his fifth shutout of the season. As a team, Concordia has six shutouts.
The Bulldogs have now played in seven overtime games and 14 overtime periods this season. They own a record of 1-2-4 in those contests.
Similar to the feeling after several of its previous ties, Concordia believes it let go of important conference points.
“We missed an opportunity to be in second place free and clear,” Weides said. “It made the standings a lot more challenging for us in terms of the goals we have. Before it was in our hands. Now for us to finish in the top four we may need a little help.
“When you outshoot someone like that, you expect to win.”
The Bulldogs welcome league heavyweight and 12th-ranked Hastings (12-2-2, 7-0-1 GPAC) to Seward on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. In last season’s meeting in Hastings, the then No. 6 Broncos topped Concordia, 3-1. In 2012 the Bulldogs fell just short of an upset bid in a 2-1 home overtime loss to Hastings. Concordia last defeated Hastings in 1998 when Weides was a member of the team.