SEWARD, Neb. – Three seniors were honored before the 2-1 win over Waldorf on Saturday (Oct. 21). Kassidy Johnson, Hannah Haas and Bradi Ore played in their final regular season match in Bulldog Stadium, as the sun came down in the final minutes. Kierstynn Garner scored early and collected another goal in a seemingly similar fashion, giving the insurance goal and the eventual game winner in the first half.
Concordia moves their record to 11-3-3 overall and 7-1-3 in the conference. Nick Smith commented on the match flow and how important this senior class was in accepting him as their new head coach.
“We came out with a hot start, scoring with less than four minutes into the game. For a large portion of the match, I think we were really comfortable. We were passing the ball well. The only hang up that I have is that we weren’t able to score more goals, particularly in the first half. They were sitting in deep and it just made things difficult. I’ve been really fortunate to inherit this senior class. Bradi Ore has been an absolute stud for us in goal. Hannah Haas has been a vice captain for us this year and a great leader in the locker room. Kassidy (Johnson) is a really good kid and works really hard. That group has been really good in accepting me and helping me start my new journey here at Concordia.”
Garner seemingly scored as the first whistle blew, with a long pass by Savannah Andrews, maneuvered past the goalie in a one-versus-one scenario for an easy score. In the 33rd minute, a similar goal came at the feet of KG, as the long feed came from Niah Kirchner, sending the ball from midfield.
With her second goal, Kierstynn surpassed her single season record (five) for game winning goals from last year and tied Sami Birmingham (2016) for the second most (six) in program history. She, as a sophomore, has also earned the second most career game winning goals (11) in program history, tying Jennifer Davis (2003-06) and Gentri Brown (2003-06).
The offense stalled in the second half, as the Dawgs experienced a hunkered down defense once again. Despite Concordia’s slight edge in shots (5-3), the Warriors were able to capitalize in the 88th minute, leaving CUNE only up one. The Bulldogs received the ball first off the visitor's goal and ran the clock out in the final two minutes for the victory.
The Warriors had four shots total to the home team’s 13 and goalkeeper Bradi Ore credited her back line and fifth year center back Soenksen.
“The best thing is communication to help set the defense in the back. With Grace Soenksen, as a senior defender, she was able to help get the ball out of the back as well.”
Concordia (11-3-3, 7-1-3 GPAC) faces off against Doane (3-7-4, 2-5-3 GPAC) on Wednesday (Oct. 25) for their final match of the regular season. First kick is set for 7:15 p.m CT at Al Papik Field. The Dawgs bested the Tigers (2-0) in Seward last season.