SEWARD, Neb. – Coming off a momentum-building conference win, the Bulldogs exuded confidence to steamroll Waldorf in a 10-0 whipping on Homecoming night (Oct. 11). Seven different Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer players put a point on the scoreboard with Kierstynn Garner and Kyana Rios leading the way. Shelby Rugg and Abby Haynes scored their first collegiate goals in the contest.
The Dawgs (9-1-4, 4-1-2 GPAC) scored the most tallies under Head Coach Nick Smith, as his program high was eight before tonight.
“We were just solid in possession and started early tonight,” Head Coach Nick Smith said. “We found a pretty consistent finishing touch. We had a bunch of players step up and get goals and assists for us. The idea for me was to build on the team points we had on Wednesday night. One of the toughest things is to play a game that you are probably expected to win after a big one. Our group responded really well. Our focus was solely on Waldorf.”
Garner got the goal-scoring party started with an assist by Kyana Rios. The Kearney, Neb., native would be a part of six of the 10 goals, matching a hat trick and three assists in the shellacking of the visitors. With her third score, the forward hit her 16th goal of the season and her 65th of her career. KG has tied Angela Krueger (1997-20) for second all-time in goals scored in the program.
Rios buried a score via Sadie Mares and would punch in another from Garner in her two score one assist performance. An Omaha South product, Rios has mounted eight goals in her sophomore campaign.
Shelby Rugg bottled up some new navy kit power and struck her first score as a senior on the back line. Primarily playing the center back position this season, her chances have been limited.
“It was really nice,” Rugg said. "That was my first collegiate goal. It was really fun to finally score as a defender. Working the ball with each other. Getting the ball out wide. Everyone was actually on the same page today. Everyone was clicking. Anytime we lost the ball, there was nobody slacking. We were just mentally strong today and didn’t let anything get by us.”
Lupe Sanchez, Sadie Mares, Niah Kirchner and Haynes all found the back of the net at the homecoming extravaganza. Kichner scored her first this season and the Columbus High alum finally hit pay dirt in the scoring column. McKenna West shared two assists in the outing.
The offense was in peak form with 38 shots to the opposing teams’ zero. Chances came straight on as the Bulldogs had a 5-0 corner kick advantage. Grady Smith and Alicia Lopez would combine for a shutout in the 90 minutes. Sierra McElhannon returned from a last year injury in the late minutes.
Concordia (9-1-4, 4-1-2 GPAC) will travel to Fremont, Neb., facing Midland (1-10-1, 0-7 GPAC) on Wednesday (Oct. 15). The Bulldogs will take the pitch at 7:30 p.m. on Heedum Field.
Goals Scored List (Assist)
· 10’ - Kierstynn Garner (Kyana Rios)
· 13’ - Kyana Rios (Sadie Mares)
· 22’ - Shelby Rugg (Kierstynn Garner)
· 30’ - Kyana Rios (Kierstynn Garner)
· 33’ - Gaudalupe Sanchez (McKennah West)
· 47’ - Sadie Mares (Kierstynn Garner)
· 49’ - Kierstynn Garner (Evie Keller)
· 56’ - Kierstynn Garner (Unassisted)
· 66’ - Niah Kirchner (Avery Black)
· 68’ - Abby Haynes (McKennah West)