SEWARD, Neb. – It’s a formula that worked for the Concordia University women’s soccer team about a month earlier (1-0 win over Northwestern) – play defense and take advantage of one prime attacking opportunity. The only problem this time was an inability put that one goal away. On a cool night that involved a long stoppage to tend to an injured player, Concordia suffered a 1-0 defeat in double overtime at the hands of Morningside on Wednesday (Oct. 16).
Head coach Chris Luther’s squad has now played in back-to-back double overtime contests. The Bulldogs (3-9-1, 3-3-1 GPAC) also suffered a 1-0 double overtime loss at No. 14 Hastings this past Saturday.
“Typically this season we’ve tended to start more aggressively in the first half and then kind of trail off in the second half,” Luther said. “Tonight it was just the opposite. We had a slow start and then in the second half I felt like we really picked things up and had a lot more opportunities in front of the goal. We were defending really well. We just haven’t been able to convert on the offensive side of things the last couple of games.”
As Luther alluded to, Concordia had its chances in the second half and was unable to capitalize. One of the biggest scares for the Mustangs (4-7-1, 2-3-1 GPAC) came shortly after Becky Freeman checked in around the 75’ mark and got loose in the box. Her shot on goal came from an awkward angle and was saved. The Bulldogs fired off nine of their 15 shots during the second half. Freeman led Concordia with three shots.
The Bulldogs had hoped to repeat their result from a year ago when a Maria Deeter goal in double overtime made her side a winner in Sioux City, Iowa. Unfortunately, Concordia could not even salvage a tie. It was doomed when a foul was correctly called in the box in the 107th minute. Morningside freshman Logan Abernathy followed with a penalty kick goal that sent the visitors home happy.
Since the 3-0 win over Mount Marty on Oct. 5, the Bulldogs have gone three-straight games (nearly 300 minutes) without scoring a goal. Despite those frustrations, Concordia continues to see growth from a core of players that will be back in 2020. In particular, freshman Grace Soenksen has really taken well to a role in the back line.
“We’re seeing a lot more maturity in play from some of our freshmen,” Luther said. “The big ones that stand out are Aliyah Aldama, Grace Soenksen, Allee Downing, Jaiden Becher and Kaley Heinz. They’re getting some minutes in those big games. It’s kind of been a baptism by fire, but they’re figuring out our style of play and complimenting what we’re trying to do.”
The Bulldogs will hit the road on Saturday for a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, where they will match up with Briar Cliff (9-3, 6-1 GPAC). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT. Concordia will attempt to avenge its only 2018 GPAC regular-season loss. The Chargers have made a splash this season with wins over both Hastings and Midland.