Douglas ties school goals record with game winner

By Taylor Mueller, Sports Information Assistant

A seven-hour trek south to Siloam Springs, Ark., netted a milestone goal for senior Nathan Douglas and a satisfying 2-1 come-from-behind road victory over host John Brown University on Friday. Concordia will remain in Siloam Springs for another match on Saturday.

It was the Golden Eagles who got things started with a goal just before the intermission to take a 1-0 lead, a goal that head coach Jason Weides felt came too easily for John Brown.

Sophomore Jake Sells got the Bulldogs rolling when he tied things at the 52:02 minute mark. Sells was set up by a nifty header from junior Donal Landrum off a deflection by the Golden Eagle keeper.

“The timing of John Brown’s goal (final seconds of the first half) could have broken us but we stayed mentally strong. I’m pleased with our resiliency,” Weides said. “We did well to keep fighting in the game after getting behind. I still think we have yet to play to our capabilities, but I am proud of our efforts to come back.”

In the 72nd minute, Sells assisted senior Nathan Douglas on a goal that gave the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead, a lead they would hold to the end. The goal was Douglas’ second of the season and his 31st career goal in a Bulldog jersey. The shot places him in elite company as he joins Aaron Skipworth (2008, 2010-12) and Bernie Ochoa (2000-02) for the most goals scored in Concordia men’s soccer history.

Junior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan had a great night himself, maintaining the Bulldogs goal and earning six saves as well as high praise from his head coach.

“We got outstanding play from our goalkeeper,” Weides said. “Brendan Buchanan played very well. He kept us in the game even at times where maybe we shouldn’t have been. He made two saves on free kicks that were just outstanding.”

John Brown ended up with 20 shots (seven on goal) compared to 13 (six on goal) for Concordia.

Following a 4-1 season-opening loss No. 17 Benedictine (Kan.), the Bulldogs have gone on to claim two straight-victories on the road.

Next up is Oklahoma City University, a team that received votes in the coaches’ preseason top 25 poll. The two teams are set to duel at 1:30 pm. The Stars are now 1-2 after dropping a 3-1 decision to Georgia Gwinnett on Friday in Siloam Springs.

“Oklahoma City is a good team,” Weides said. “It’s probably an even bigger challenge for us tomorrow. It was hot today and it will be hot again tomorrow. It will be a battle of attrition.”