SEWARD, Neb. – The last time the Concordia University Women’s Soccer program appeared in front of the home fans at Bulldog Stadium, it celebrated a thrilling GPAC tournament championship run. The Bulldogs hope to carry that momentum into the fall as they begin the 2021 campaign on Saturday. Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member Tabor College (Kan.) will serve as the opponent with kickoff set for 1 p.m. CT.
This Week
Saturday, Aug. 28 vs. Tabor (1-0), 1 p.m.
--Live Webcast/Stats (Concordia Sports Network)
Note for fans: Tickets to home soccer games can be purchased online via Concordia’s HomeTown ticketing page – or on site at Bulldog Stadium on the day of games. Currently, there are no capacity limits within the stadium. Face coverings are not required. More details for fans can be found HERE.
Head Coach Thomas Goines’ squad reported to campus on Aug. 9 and has been in the midst of intensive preseason training since then. That period has included a couple of scrimmages, including one with an NCAA Division II opponent. Concordia expects to be in the thick of things near the top of the league standings once again. The program has advanced to the GPAC postseason final in six of the past seven seasons and has been picked second in the conference preseason coaches’ poll.
The Bulldogs welcome back six of their eight All-GPAC honorees from last season, including top goal scorer Mikeila Martinez, a first team all-conference performer. In 2020-21, Concordia equaled a program single season record with just 14 goals allowed. While the key components from the back line remain in place (such as Allee Downing and Grace Soenksen), the Bulldogs will be breaking in a new goalkeeper to replace four-year starter Lindsey Carley. Whichever keeper gets the call on Saturday will be making her first career collegiate start.
The Bluejays began the 2021 season on Aug. 21 and defeated Panhandle State University (Okla.), 2-1. Concordia and Tabor met up most recently in 2019 when the Bluejays held off the Bulldogs, 1-0, in Hillsboro, Kan. Under Head Coach Ian Thomson (now in his eighth season), Tabor posted an overall mark of 7-9 last season. The Bluejays were outscored by their opponents, 28-18, over the course of the campaign. Tabor was pegged eighth out of 13 teams in the KCAC preseason coaches’ poll.
Following Saturday's action, Concordia will look forward to play at Grand View University (Iowa) next Tuesday (Aug. 31). Kickoff from Des Moines, Iowa, is slated for 7:30 p.m. CT.