SEWARD, Neb. – After a week-and-a-half of coming up just short of the desired result, this felt good for the Concordia University Women’s Soccer team. Ellie Eason found the back of the net twice as the Bulldogs managed to burst loose on the attack and rout visiting Dakota Wesleyan, 5-0, on Saturday (Oct. 1). The victory marked the 100th in the collegiate head coaching career of Thomas Goines, who previously led the programs at Concordia University Chicago and Barton College (N.C.).
Goines’ bunch effectively put behind the frustrations from Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at Midland. Concordia bumped its overall mark to 7-1-2 (2-1-2 GPAC) while reaching five goals in a game for the third time this season.
“That first half we had to make a few adjustments to find a way to finish off opportunities,” Goines said. “The second half we came out after playing into the wind and took our chances. We had about every variety of finish you could have – PK, corner kick, restarts and run of play. It was a good team effort today. We got a lot of people involved. That’s how it’s going to have to be. The whole group stepped up today.”
It's not that this team can’t create chances, it’s just that it could not seem to buy a goal over the past few outings. A fourth-year standout from Kirkland, Wash., Eason helped lift a weight off the team’s shoulders by burying a penalty kick goal in the 12th minute on Saturday. She also scored again in the 66th minute as part of the second half onslaught. Three teammates produced a goal apiece: Elena Ruiz (56’), Lina Kirst (70’) and Kassidy Johnson (79’). Kirst and Shi-Lynn Yon both picked up an assist.
The final score line was befitting of a game dominated by the Bulldogs. They ruled the shot count, 18-3 (10-3 in shots on goal). In goal, Kalie Ward covered the first 74 minutes and made two saves. Bradi Ore then helped finish off the shutout victory. The back line led by Grace Soenksen was tested on precious few occasions.
It all added up to win No. 100 for Goines, who guided the Bulldogs to a GPAC tournament championship in the 2020 season. The current squad has suffered only one defeat in a campaign that has the potential for something special down the stretch. For now, Concordia will enjoy getting back into the ‘W’ column.
Said Goines, “It’s a special thing to reach a mile marker like this. When the season is over, I’ll have more time to reflect on what that means. I’ve been honored to coach hundreds of young women over the years now. It’s had a huge impact on myself and my family. It’s on to taking the next step.”
As for Dakota Wesleyan (2-6-1, 0-5 GPAC), it remains in search of its first GPAC win. The Tigers have been shut out four times already by conference opponents.
The Bulldogs will hit the road on Wednesday for a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, and a matchup with Morningside (5-4-1, 2-2-1 GPAC). Kickoff from Elwood Olsen Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m. CT. In last season’s meeting in Seward, Concordia earned a 2-1 overtime win via the golden goal from Madeline Haugen.