HASTINGS, Neb. – Charli Priester and the Dawgs fist pumped in delight defeating the defending GPAC champion Hastings (2-1) at Lloyd Wilson Field on Wednesday (Oct. 8). Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer dominated midfield play to possess the ball and outshoot the Broncos 14-10. Priester scored the game-winner over in-state rival Hastings in the 76th minute.
The Seward side claimed victory over the once-conference power mounting an 8-1-4 overall record and a 3-1-2 GPAC slate.
“This is the best we have played in a while,” Head Coach Nick Smith said. “We were really good tonight. They got a goal early, but our reaction to it was really good. There was only going to be one winner tonight. It was a really good performance against a good team. It was definitely a performance that we needed right now.”
The clock began to fade as the two teams were deadlocked at one going into the 76th minute. With a throw-in from Evie Keller, the ball went from the feet of Kierstynn Garner, Kyana Rios (assist) and the final one-touch strike finish from Priester. The Columbus High product celebrated her fifth goal in her freshman campaign.
The midfield claimed ownership of the possession with relentless play from the center of the pitch. Led by Niah Kirchner, Keller and Elena Ruiz, the Bulldogs only allowed three shots on goal in 90 minutes. The wings, Sadie Mares and Shelby Rugg, continually charged up the field to make Concordia’s offensive possession dangerous as Rugg consistently drew contact.
Said Smith,” We came at them with a shape that they probably weren’t expecting. Our press was really good. Our reaction to retain the ball and move the ball after we turned them over was really good. Ultimately, it allowed us to control large portions of the game.”
In somewhat a déjà vu moment from the men’s contest, Hastings scored early (8’) and put the Bulldogs on their heels.
With a reliable connection built over hours on the field together, Savannah Andrews sent a perfect pass to Kierstynn Garner, who sliced to the far bottom corner for the early equalizer. KG has produced 62 career goals and continues to inch closer to second all-time in scoring held by Angela Krueger (1997-20) with 65 total.
The back line, including Hannah Kile, Triniti Rowe and Taylor Slaymaker, held firm in the set pieces and keeper Aliya Vidro blocked the other two saves. Garner (four), Priester (three) and Keller (two) were out front in shots taken.
The Broncos’ (8-2-2, 3-1-1 GPAC) Avery Higgins scored the early notch via Madie Miles. Jesse Chartier had a game-high six shots (two on goal). Tatiana Villasenor grabbed three saves in the five on goal.
The Bulldogs (8-1-4, 3-1-2 GPAC) is set to host Waldorf (1-8-1, 0-5 GPAC) for Homecoming this Saturday (Oct. 11). The Bulldogs will challenge the Warriors at 8 p.m. CT inside Bulldog Stadium. CUNE defeated Waldorf (8-0) in a shutout last year.