SEWARD, Neb. – After a late first half score, Dordt attempted to play defense the rest of the 45 minutes before Taylor Slaymaker netted a 28-yard blast to tie the contest late on Saturday (Oct. 25). The Bulldogs owned possession and outshot the Defenders 10-0 in the second half of play.
Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer continues its six-game unbeaten streak to an 11-1-5 overall record and a 6-1-3 GPAC performance.
“The first goal tonight was going to be a big one for them,” Head Coach Nick Smith said. “In particular, after they get the goal, it’s so close to half then they get to spend the half organizing what they are going to do defensively in the second. The second half was much more comfortable because they sat deeper. So, we create some good opportunities. Fortunate for us today, Taylor is the one who found the unlocking key.”
The two best offensive players in the conference were on the same field in the Seward contest yet didn’t quite live up to the billing after Dordt virtually parked the bus besides Karinna Tel, following her lone score.
In the 84th minute, Slaymaker brought the ball toward the box and found a passing lane that led to naught. Moments later, the Kearney, Neb., native found herself in a similar situation but fired the rocket into the top of goal for the equalizer. After 79 games played in the centerback’s career, she has reached three goals as a Bulldog with undoubtedly her most impressive tally on the board.
Said Smith, “She scored, probably the best goal of her career. It was a great finish into the top corner. Ultimately, it salvages a 1-1 draw today. It was such a good goal. She has shown that she is capable of doing that. She does that every now and then in training. She has scored two in the last three games, so she is getting hot in front of the net for us.”
The Bulldogs plastered the opposing goal with a 16-6 shot advantage led by Kierstynn Garner and Savannah Andrews with three chances apiece. Eight Concordia players had their shot at goal and the two teams remain knotted in corner kicks (3-3) after 90 minutes.
The Defenders’ Lydia Zylstra led the team with a game high seven saves keeping the high-powered Bulldog offense primarily at bay. The two-time All-American Tel took four of the Sioux Center side’s six shots as the talented senior made good on her one dangerous chance. Dordt (8-5-3, 6-2-2 GPAC) will face rival Northwestern in its final regular season game on Wednesday in Sioux Center.
Concordia (11-1-5, 6-1-3 GPAC) will host Doane (8-7-2, 6-3-1 GPAC) in Seward on Wednesday. The Bulldogs will come on the pitch at 8 p.m. CT inside Bulldog Stadium.