SEWARD, Neb. – The final regular-season nonconference game is up next for the Concordia University women’s soccer team. The Bulldogs are getting set to host in-state Bellevue University on Wednesday evening before making a GPAC road trip up to Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D., for Saturday’s conference matchup. Head coach Chris Luther is attempting to maintain a positive vibe for a squad off to an 0-5 start
This Week
Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. Bellevue University (3-4), 7 p.m.
-Live Webcast/Stats: Concordia Sports Network
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Presentation (1-3, 0-1), 1 p.m.
-Live Coverage: http://www.pcsaints.com/schedule/0/9.php
Concordia has made strides towards that first win. It felt like it had outplayed Tabor College this past Saturday in what amounted to a 1-0 loss in Hillsboro, Kan. The Bulldogs outshot the Bluejays, 11-5, and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. A penalty kick goal in the 87th minute proved to be the difference in the game as a run of tough luck continued for Luther’s bunch. Three days earlier, Concordia fell to another Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent, Friends University (Kan.), 2-0.
Through five outings, the Bulldogs have been outscored by a combined total of 11-0. According to Massey Ratings, Concordia has played the 44th most challenging schedule in the NAIA. Bulldog opponents have outnumbered them in shots, 52-31. To this point, the attacking opportunities have been spread out throughout the roster. Six Concordia players have taken at least three shots with Morgan Raska leading the way (six shots).
Luther has continually tweaked the lineup in the early going to try to find the right combinations. The Bulldogs have also played without first team All-GPAC center back Tori Cera over the past three outings. In her place, senior Becky Freeman has been given a chance at center back. Fifteen Concordia players have started at least one game. That group includes five freshmen.
Bellevue has had a consistently solid program that has had the Bulldogs’ number. Concordia is 2-10 all-time versus the Bruins with the most recent victory being a 2-1 decision in Seward in 2015. Bellevue has already played four GPAC opponents and has claimed wins over Morningside, Briar Cliff and Dordt while suffering a loss to Northwestern. The Bruins are coming off a surprising 8-0 loss to Central Methodist University (Mo.).
Presentation went 3-8-1 inside the conference last season in its first year as a soccer only GPAC member. The Saints started conference play on Sept. 4 with a 1-0 loss at Mount Marty. Presentation had scored only one goal through its first three games before exploding for nine goals in a 9-0 win over Nebraska Christian College on Sept. 7.
Following Saturday’s game, the Bulldogs will be idle until resuming conference play on Saturday, Sept. 21 when they are set to host Northwestern.