HILLSBORO, Kan. – A week after edging one Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent, the Concordia University Women’s Soccer team took on another KCAC foe, one with a much different style of play. The Bulldogs made the adjustment and came away with a 1-0 victory in a road win over Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., on Saturday (Sept. 3) night. The lone goal came from freshman Elena Ruiz.
Head Coach Thomas Goines’ squad had waited a week to return to action since defeating Southwestern College (Kan.), 3-2, on Aug. 27. Concordia has found ways to win while knowing it’s capable of playing a cleaner game.
“I was proud of our team for pulling out a win on their first road trip of the season,” Goines said. “Tabor plays a physical and direct style that makes it tough to build and possess against. We started six underclassmen tonight and I was happy to see the impact they made on the field.”
Ruiz was joined in the starting 11 by fellow freshmen Hannah Kile, Niah Kirchner and Kierstynn Garner. Ruiz broke up the 0-0 stalemate with a goal in the 47th minute. As far Garner, it’s likely just a matter of time before she puts one in the back of the net. The Kearney, Neb., native placed two shots on goal on Saturday. As a team, the Bulldogs owned a 13-8 advantage in overall shots (10-6 in shots on goal).
Two Concordia keepers contributed to the clean sheet. Angela Banks started the game before having to depart prior to halftime. She was spelled by Kalie “Rocket” Ward, who got a late start to preseason due to military duties. The duo of Banks and Ward combined for six saves. On the opposite end of the field, Bluejay keeper Ashly Johnson kept her side in it by making nine saves.
This was more like it for a back line that features steady center backs Grace Soenksen and Taylor Slaymaker. On the attacking end, Ruiz and Ellie Eason were credited with three shots on goal apiece. An Omaha South High School alum, Ruiz has the ability to be a major four-year contributor.
Tabor slipped to 1-2 on the season. Earlier this week, the Bluejays fell at Hastings, 4-1. Tabor is coming off a solid 2021 campaign that saw it go 8-6-4 overall.
Another road trip awaits on Tuesday when the Bulldogs will head to Lamoni, Iowa, to meet Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Graceland University. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT. The two sides last met in 2017 when the Yellowjackets came away with a 2-1 win in double overtime. Graceland has won two of the three all-time matchups.