SEWARD, Neb. – The ‘feels like’ temperature settled into triple digits as Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer welcomed Bellevue University to Bulldog Stadium for its home opener on Wednesday (Sept. 2). Sophomore Guadulupe Sanchez cooked the Bruin defenders for an 18th-minute goal and a 1-0 first-half lead. However, attacking-minded Bellevue equalized in the 46th minute, giving way to what ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
After 18 seasons coaching the men’s program, Head Coach Jason Weides presided over his first official home game as leader of the women’s program. He saw moments on Wednesday that the Bulldogs can build upon.
“I think we were really tested today,” Weides said. “We were stressed a lot. They really challenged us defensively. They were good in possession, and I think our team did a pretty good job of just staying in it and suffering. I think we suffered today. That's the word of the day: We suffered a lot without the ball.”
As the statistics indicated (13-2 shot and 9-0 corner kick discrepancies), Bellevue controlled possession and pressured Concordia’s back line. The Bulldogs placed a focus upon marking prolific striker Adi Kasel, who entered the contest leading her side with six goals on the season. Kasel’s rocket of a shot at keeper Aliya Vidro in the 46th minute was deflected and caromed to Katrina Avila. She deposited her first goal of the season, pulling the Bruins even.
Concordia made its one shot on goal count. In the 18th minute, standout midfielder Kyana Rios lofted a ball up field that put the Grand Island, Neb., native Sanchez on a sprint. Sanchez steadied herself through contact and finished past a drawn-out keeper. The goal marked Sanchez’s second of the season and ninth of her collegiate career. In their best chance to regain the lead, Charli Preister positioned herself deep in the box for a header that sailed high in the 86th minute.
It took a dose of grit for the Bulldogs to pick up the draw. It was a taxing night in the back for hardworking defenders like sophomore Evie Keller, who has transitioned from the midfield to center back. Keller and company survived multiple scary moments in the closing 10 minutes while preserving the draw.
Said Keller, “Our whole back line, I thought, did a great job of figuring out when to press up and when to drop back together. I think we did a great job of working as a unit and working with our six on where to position ourselves and how to help each other out.”
More than a week between games helped Weides’ squad get healthier. Sophomores McKenna West and Abby Haynes both made their season debuts after missing the action in Oklahoma during the season’s opening week. The minutes also continue to increase for GPAC All-Conference center back Triniti Rowe. More reinforcements are expected to enter the fray in upcoming action.
The Bruins (2-0-2) had been lighting up the scoreboard against GPAC competition having defeated Doane, 7-1, and College of Saint Mary, 8-0. Avila (four shots) and Kasel (three shots) were the team’s most active attackers on Wednesday. The Concordia keeper Vidro collected five saves on the evening.
Concluded Weides, “We didn't find enough possession in moments where we could relieve some of that pressure. But it was kind of a bend-but-don't-break type of day. Whether it was someone coming up with a block, an important header, a clearance, a save, whatever it was, we just found a way to get it done … We need to create more chances and cause more problems for our opponents.”
The Bulldogs will have the weekend off from competition. Next up, Concordia will travel to Salina, Kan., to take on Kansas Wesleyan University (1-2) on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The Coyotes are coached by former Concordia graduate assistant coach Michael McIntyre. KWU has already played two GPAC opponents and has earned a 4-1 win over Midland prior to a 4-1 loss to Hastings.