SEWARD, Neb. – It was a celebration in Bulldog Stadium as Concordia University, Nebraska knocked off in-state Bellevue University (2-0) on senior day (Sept. 2). The Bulldogs relied on the strength of the pack to deliver a shutout and scored via Hugo Garrote and Kai Olbrich. Concordia took its first win of the 2026 season in front of the home crowd.
CUNE moves up to 1-2 overall as Bernie Ochoa collects his first win as the new head coach.
“I think we’ve always talked about the team effort, just everyone working together,’ Coach Ochoa said. “We collaborated on both ends of the field, offensively and defensively. It was a next-man-up mentality. A lot of guys got playing time today, and overall, I think we played well as a team on both sides. It was great to see Kai get on the scoreboard, and then obviously Hugo as well. They’re seniors who are hopefully going to continue to help us in future games.”
Senior Hugo Garrote picked he where he left off last season in Bullldog Stadium by leaving opponents stunned once again. Concordia was awarded a corner in the 30th minute. Garrote sent a bending an unassisted corner to the back post and in - fooling multiple Bellevue defenders.
In the second half, in what can be described as a slow-developing counterattack, all the attention started to flow to the far side of the pitch. Joe McCarroll started to finally get an avalanche going by a dish to Jasper Hofland. Surrounded by all four Bruin defenders, Hofland split the ball to a streaking Olbrich towards the opposite side of the field for a two-touch burying of the ball in the far-right corner. The Bennington High product scored his 10th goal of his career with the strike.
“Yeah, it was just incredible,” Olbrich said. “Bellevue is always a good, close game, and they’re a really good team. It was extra special to get the win over them on senior night with all my best friends.”
Concordia leaned heavy on the final stopping forces including the back line with the likes of Sean Stratman, Michael Wyvill, Lucas Montino, Danilo Nikolic, Niko Nareike. Goalkeeper Florian Quast clutched a dominant performance with five saves, a clean sheet and a diving punch that came from a free kick just outside the penalty box.
In the second half, chippy play started to lead to yellows on both sides with the match even in multiple categories. The Dawgs grabbed an edge in shots on goal (7-5) with more dangerous takes but gave leash on shots (10-9) and corner kicks (7-2).
Seniors that were honored include Niko Nareike, Michael Wyvill, Hugo Garrote, Kai Olbrich, Jasper Hofland, Mattis Hollnagel and Jason Payne.
Bellevue (1-3) drops its third consecutive match having faced many quality teams early in the non-conference. The Bruins will face Mid-America Christian University (Okla.) in their next contest.
Concordia (0-2) will face No. 4 William Penn University (1-0-1) and defending NAIA national champion No. 17 Grand View (0-1-1) on a road trip to Iowa over a long holiday weekend. The Bulldogs are set to begin at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday against the Statesmen.