CHICKASHA, Okla. – The 90-plus degree weather didn’t stop Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Soccer from pushing the pace in a heated match with the University of Science and Arts (Okla.). A high-octane bout from the opening whistle, the Bulldogs fell one score shy (2-1) after a stopped penalty at McLaughlin Field on Thursday (Aug. 20). First year transfer Felipe Silva Mendes converted the first goal of the Concordia season.
“For being the first game, we played against a really competitive team,” Head Coach Bernie Ochoa said. “They were well balanced and came out strong at the beginning and end of the first half. We made some mistakes and it kind of cost us. I feel like we dominated the second half with possession, opportunities and the penalty. As far as the team and how they responded, they never gave up and fought until the end. That was definitely something we expressed at halftime, and we gave our best effort.”
Down 2-1 in the 65th minute, veteran Kai Olbrich won in a race to the ball against the opposing keeper and drew a foul inside the box. Olbrich’s free try was kicked to the low right but saved by the USAO goalie. The Bulldogs continued the pressure and relentless speed but was unable to find a second equalizer.
Down one in the opening half, Silva Mendes made good on a ball that was first saved after a kick that was originally barreled in by Hugo Garrote in the 25th minute. The junior out of Campinas, São Paulo, buried the shot in the far bottom corner.
The blistering 90-minute runout would total 26 total shots (14-12 USAO) and six yellow cards. Concordia clawed possession in the second half besting USAO in shots (8-2), total corners (7-2) and total fouls (6-18).
The lead shot takers for the Bulldogs were Kade Olbrich (three), Joao Pedro Moreira (three), Garrote (two) and Sebastian Montino (two).
In the net, Concordia split time between keepers as transfer Florian Quast totaled four saves in the first half and Carter Wiebusch saved two with a second stanza clean sheet.
The Drovers relied on Callum Scott (39’) and Juan Pablo Penagos (13’) for the final touches to seize the home win. Goalkeeper Jack Sexton made five saves in the net for USAO.
Concordia (0-1) will have a quick turnaround before taking on Mid-America Christian (1-0) on Saturday (Aug. 22). The Bulldogs will stay in Oklahoma and will compete at Dill Soccer Field at 10 a.m. due to extreme heat.