SEWARD, Neb. – The GPAC semifinal needed extra time to be decided as No. 3 seed Hastings found a golden goal to defeat No. 2 seed Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer on Saturday night (Nov. 8). The Bulldogs scored an equalizer to push the game to overtime, but were only able to find one score in 16 shots in Seward.
Concordia finishes its tournament run and season with a 13-2-5 record with an outside shot at an at-large bid.
“I feel like it was a typical semifinal,” Head Coach Nick Smith said. “Early on, both teams tried to get themselves in a bit of a rhythm and we were probably better at doing that earlier. We were the better team in the first half. The goal that they go was a little bit against the run of play and they make the most of the opportunity. Kile scoring got us back into the game. We hit the post with K and the crossbar with McKennah. It was a game of inches.”
Quick passing led to an opening for the Broncos’ Payton Tanner to score the game-ending goal from Madison Rhodes in the 95th minute. The third total shot in overtime play ended the game in golden goal fashion.
In the 66th minute of regulation, the Bulldogs needed a tally to knot the game and Kile delivered on the end of corner kick from Kierstynn Garner. The defender out of Raymond Central marked her first goal of the season and her 5th of her career.
Concordia ruled in the offensive attack with a 16-9 chance advantage, especially in the first half (8-3). The Bulldogs also had an edge in corners (3-2) and fouls (3-6). Garner led the team with shots taken (three) and four others had multiple chances including Shelby Rugg, Charli Preister, Sadie Mares and Savannah Andrews.
Dominating the ball for much of the possession, the Bulldogs would look to get the ball inside the 18-yard box but the counter game for Hastings was forward as soon as they collected possession.
Said Smith, “We talked about how close we are as a program. Over the course of the season, it is really important for them to have the perspective that we were really close to being a regular season champion and we got into a semifinal with a chance to host at home. So, it's just about maintaining the progress we have had over these last three years and using the feelings we have right now to come back strong.”
The Hastings offense was led by Rhodes scoring the first goal in the 53rd minute and the assist. Goalkeeper Autumn Button grabbed seven saves in the contest win. HC will host No. 4 Dordt for the conference final.
Concordia will wait to see if it will receive an at-large bid after only losing two games this season and looks to continue the 2025 season in the NAIA Women’s Soccer national championships tournament that will be announced on Nov. 14.