ATCHISON, Kan. – Even throughout the run of prosperity experienced by Concordia University Women’s Soccer since 2014, the program had never beaten Benedictine College, an annual national qualifier. Go ahead and cross that one off the to-do list. A second half goal from freshman Kierstynn Garner proved the difference as the Bulldogs upset the 25th-ranked Ravens, 1-0, on a rainy Saturday (Sept. 10) in Atchison, Kan. Garner and company completed a 2-0 week against Heart of America Athletic Conference opponents.
Head Coach Thomas Goines has Concordia out to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2006. In addition, the Bulldogs have defeated a nationally ranked foe for the first time since 2018 (when they knocked off then 17th-ranked Midland, 1-0, in the GPAC semifinals).
“We knew Benedictine was very good,” Goines said. “Athletic, fast, organized, well-coached – everything you’d expect from a top 25 team. We talked about making sure everything they did was hard in the final third. It took a lot of discipline and a lot of grit. Before the game started, rain started coming down and we looked at the girls and said, ‘This is Bulldog weather.’ We’re going to come out and take our chances when they show themselves.”
This is the type of win that shows the arrow pointing straight upward for a Concordia team jolted by a talented freshman class that has mixed nicely with the veterans. Impressively, the Bulldogs quieted a big, fast and athletic Benedictine bunch that essentially scored right off the kickoff in their previous outing – a 5-1 win over Avila University (Mo.). Concordia managed to keep the Ravens to 14 shots (six on goal) and got a strong performance out of goalkeeper Kalie “Rocket” Ward, who made five saves.
The goal by Garner was a beauty. She created the chance on her own while going on a run that covered a good 50 yards. After dribbling up the right side, Garner gathered herself just outside of the 18 and rifled a left-footed shot into the upper lefthand corner of the goal. The Kearney High School product was able to slot the ball past keeper Olivia Berry, a 2021 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. Garner also knocked in two goals in Tuesday's 5-2 win at Graceland University (Iowa).
In the postgame locker room, Goines didn’t have to say much. There were a lot of smiles following a win over a program that has made eight-straight national tournament appearances and had previously been 11-0 all-time versus the Bulldogs (including the 2014 national tournament matchup). The makeup of this Concordia team is different from those of the past. There’s a trust in a back line that has championship experience and growing confidence in the striking capabilities of the youngsters.
Said Goines of Garner, “She was asked to take on some counter-attacking opportunities today against a different style. She excelled at it. It’s a lot of running and a lot of individualism. It’s a growth spot for her and it’s exciting to see her taking on that role.
“Another player to talk about would have to be Rocket. She came up with some big stops in big moments of the game. When you’re playing against a team like that, your goalie has to have a solid game, or you’re going to lose. She had an all-around solid game.”
The Bulldogs were credited with seven shots (three on goal). Two were put on frame by Garner and another shot on goal was fired by Niah Kirchner. Of course, center back Grace Soenksen had a hand in the team’s second clean sheet of 2022. The depth of Concordia has helped make up for starter Taylor Slaymaker being sidelined by injury.
Up next will be the final nonconference game of the regular season. Concordia will host Bethany College (1-2) at 5:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday. Most recently, the two programs met in 2016 with the result being a 5-1 Bulldog win in Seward.