SEWARD, Neb. – Savannah Andrews ripped through the Kansas Wesleyan University defense scoring two goals to push the Bulldogs ahead (3-1) on senior day. Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer gave up another penalty but prevailed in improving fashion over the Coyotes. The CUNE program celebrated 11 seniors on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 6).
Remaining unbeaten after six contests, the Seward Side has a 4-0-2 overall record.
“It is a big moment for us on the season but a bigger moment for those who are seniors,” Head Coach Nick Smith said. “When it is all said and done, this is going to be one of the best classes to come through Concordia Women’s Soccer. We sent them off on a day that is truly celebrating them. We got off to a good start and moved the ball really well. Ultimately, when chances arose today, we were able to score some goals. It was an all-around performance. Today was coming for Sav. It just makes us more dynamic to have more people scoring goals for us.”
Following both squads receiving votes in the latest NAIA coaches poll, the Concordia offense came out firing the first eight of nine shots in the game, with the attacking third breaking into the scoring column.
After 22 minutes, Senior Niah Kirchner drove a spicy cross, meeting a saved header by Savannah Andrews. The rebound was quickly collected by the Gretna, Neb., native and punched in the top of the net for a senior day score. In the 53rd minute, Kierstynn Garner ran to the box and passed the ball to open space for Andrews to bury a screamer into the right bottom corner. The Gretna High alum notched her first two goals of the season and now has 27 in her career.
“It’s just great to finally get the first one in,” Midfielder Andrews said. “Hopefully, they will be falling more and more. It’s good to get back in a groove for things, especially on senior day. Sometimes we may not play our best, but we have such good team chemistry that we can just pull it together any day. I just love how close we are as a team.”
The Bulldog defense has given up seven goals in six games, but four have now come from penalty kicks as the Coyotes got on the board via a handball in the box.
Freshman Charli Priester responded by winning a scramble drill ball and gave the Bulldogs the second insurance goal (75’). Out of Columbus, Neb., Priester has scored three goals early this campaign.
Concordia’s back third shut down the KWU offense in the opening frame allowing four shots and in the second half forced the visitors to settle outside of the box.
The 11 seniors celebrated were Abigail Allen, Niah Kirchner, Savannah Andrews, Sierra Springer, Selah Draper, Ashlee Trujillo, Elena Ruiz, Hannah Kile, Shelby Rugg, Kierstynn Garner and Augustine Abshagen. A class that has helped the program make monumental strides in their four years.
After some time off the field, Concordia (4-0-2) will host its final non-conference clash against York University (0-3-1) in Seward on Wednesday (Sept. 17).