MADISON, S.D. – Karaoke echoed throughout the bus ride back home as Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer sealed its first road win (4-1) of the 2025 season over Dakota State University (S.D.). Traveling to Dan Beacom Complex, the Dawgs collectively fired off 25 total shots as the Trojans took the field for their second game ever. Lupe Sanchez tallied two past the keeper on the bookends of the scoring frenzy.
Head Coach Nick Smith and company move forward to 2-0-1 early in his third campaign.
“It’s good to get a win first and foremost,” said Coach Smith. “I think sometimes it's hard to follow up a big performance on Saturday. Dakota State made things really tough on us. They were really organized defensively. We just need to work on being cleaner in front of the net. The more players that are dangerous, the better off we will be at the end of the year. Lupe has really hit the ground running. Kyana got her second as well. For us to not only get different players, but also different positions to score goals, will be the key to our success over the season.”
Tension began to mount as Concordia remained scoreless through the first 30 minutes. Substitution Sanchez barreled through three defenders to get to the goal area and boot a left footed goal to take the lead in the opening half. The freshman, out of Grand Island Northwest, scored the fourth and final mark and has started her collegiate career with four goals in three games. Evie Keller tagged the assist on the second.
“It’s been awesome,” said Sanchez. “I know a couple of the girls that play at Concordia now, so we already have some connection and chemistry for me to be able to make goals.”
Sophomore Kyana Rios received a cross put on a rope by Savannah Andrews and made sure to finish the eventual game winner. The midfielder, an Omaha South alum, put the one touch past the keeper for her second goal in 2025 and sixth career.
Kierstynn Garner and Elena Ruiz would have a connection of their own as the Kearney, Neb., native would tally her 52nd goal of her career.
The stout midfield and defense would hold Dakota State to six total shots. Anchored by Taylor Slaymaker, Shelby Rugg and Triniti Rowe, the defense allowed only one shot outside of penalties. Goalkeeper Aaliyah Matthews garnered two saves through the 90 minutes between the posts.
Fourteen players kicked at least one shot apiece led by Sanchez (four) and Charli Preister (four). The Dawgs had 24 on the roster leave the side.
The Trojans’ Nichole Corona scored the lone goal and kicked two of the shots on goal. Dakota State, in its inaugural season, moves to 0-2 and will prepare for Midland on Saturday.
Concordia (2-0-1) will return to Bulldog Stadium and host the in-state Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves (0-0) on Saturday (Aug. 30). First kick at 7:30 p.m. CT in Seward.