Women’s soccer first among others receiving votes in national postseason poll

NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll

SEWARD, Neb. – Following the first national tournament appearance in program history, the Concordia University women’s soccer program landed just outside the top 25 in the NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Postseason Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday by the NAIA. The Bulldogs appeared first among “others receiving votes.”

In the final regular-season national poll (Nov. 16), Concordia checked in at No. 24, marking the first-ever national ranking in the 19-year history of Bulldog women’s soccer. The 2014 team finished with program single-season records of 15 wins, 12 shutouts and 19 goals allowed (fewest ever) while going undefeated (9-0-4) against GPAC opponents.

Head coach Greg Henson, who completed his second season at the helm of the program in 2014, helped guide a team led by first team all-conference selections Rachel Mussell, Jessica Skerston and Melissa Stine to new heights.

“This season was the perfect example of teamwork and what can happen when a group of individuals comes together in the pursuit of a common goal,” Henson said. “These players put in the hard work necessary both individually and as a team to achieve what many would've deemed impossible. In two short seasons this team has evolved from a group of players with the determination to compete in every game to a program who's earned the right to expect to win. The 2014 edition has a set a new standard for which all future teams in the program will be measured. As a coach I'm extremely proud of each and every one of my players and I'm blessed to have been part of their success.”

In two seasons under Henson, the Bulldogs have gone 24-12-6 overall and 11-5-4 in conference play. The 2013 squad advanced to the GPAC semifinals, laying the groundwork for the 2014 GPAC tournament title run, which culminated with a 1-0 win over No. 20 Hastings in the championship game. The season ended on Nov. 22 with a 4-0 national tournament opening round loss at No. 9 Benedictine College.