MITCHELL, S.D. – In an effort to keep position in the GPAC standings, Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Soccer executed on its quality chances to defeat Dakota Wesleyan (2-1) on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 18). Keeper Inigo Chavarria stalled the Tiger offense with his nine saves between the posts. Mike Wyvill booted in the game winner at the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex.
The Dawgs have gathered 16 conference points with a 5-3 record and a 7-8 overall showing in 15 games.
“The second half had a little bit of a playoff game feel,” Head Coach Jason Weides commented. “Early on we created a couple of good chances and got a goal. We knew it was going to be a gritty game, and fortunately, we were able to get the second goal on a set play. We put in a quality service in that moment. It was very windy for both teams. In the second half, it wasn’t pretty, but it doesn’t matter the style you want. It’s just find a way to defend, find a way to protect the ball, and find a way to keep them out of the back of the net.”
On a set play after the halftime break, Hugo Garrote tagged an in-swinging kick into the box and Mike Wyvill buried the corner toward the back post. Wyvill, a Lincoln Pius X High alum, found the back of the net (55’) for the first time this season and Garrote marked his third assist this year.
In the 12th minute, Connor Robbins pushed a low cross into the box to the feet of Ricards Busmeisters. The sophomore out of Riga, Latvia, faked right and finished with his left to drill home a lead in the early going. The Iowa Western transfer has a team high six goals through his 11 games played.
With the Tigers only down one late, centerback Niko Narieke cleared a game-tying shot with the net open at the beginning of the 90th minute. This sealed the team road victory as it would be the last quality chance for the home squad.
Goalie Chavarria would have to deal with 18 total shots (10 on target) with a consistent presence on the defensive end for Concordia. The Jaca, Spain, native grabbed his single-game high for the year and tied Nolan Fuelberth.
Said Weides, “He played really well overall. He came up with some important saves. Ultimately, some were routine and some were really big in really important moments. Some were coming out in one-v-ones. He’s a veteran and had a veteran performance.”
Dakota Wesleyan leaned on Lukas Adamhuber’s goal with an assist from AJ Bowman. Adamhuber, Bowman and Evan Bolster led the Tigers with three shots apiece in their attacking half. DWU will face Briar Cliff next on Wednesday.
Concordia (7-8, 5-3 GPAC) will have next Wednesday off before hosting Dordt (4-5-6, 1-3-4 GPAC) on Saturday (Oct. 25). The Bulldogs will take the field at 1 p.m. CT in Seward, Neb.