Late shootout success gives Concordia Men’s Soccer the win in round one

Senior Oliver Benson moves for the goal (photo from 2024 season).

Photo credit: Josiah Seabaugh

By Ransom Watts

Concordia men’s soccer faced Eastern Oregon University in the first round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics men’s soccer championships, where the Bulldogs got the win with a shootout victory.

Defense was lights out for both teams as they took the field in Olathe, Kansas, at 1 p.m. on Thursday. In the first half, the Bulldogs had one shot to the Mountaineers’ four and were able to hold them scoreless, thanks in part to senior goalkeeper Inigo Chavarria, who had back-to-back saves early in the game.

As the first half progressed, fouls almost got the best of the Bulldogs, who led Eastern Oregon 7-4 in that category. The rest of the first half saw substitutions being made on both sides until halftime, which had little effect in giving either team the competitive edge.

The story remained the same for both teams going into the second half tied at 0-0. The Mountaineers led Concordia in shots 9-4.

As the game moved on into overtime, both teams looked to threaten and end the game but were unable to break through into the goal. In both the first and second overtimes, the Bulldogs and Mountaineers tied for shots, with one in the first and three in the second.

With the game remaining scoreless after two overtimes, Concordia and Eastern Oregon entered the shootout. The Bulldog’s first attempt by junior Hugo Garrote made it into the net, but so did Eastern Oregon’s first attempt. This process repeated itself with shots made by junior Mattis Hollnagel and junior Niko Nareike. The mountaineer’s shot after Nareike, however, was blocked, giving Concordia the advantage.

Both teams missed their next shot, but when Concordia was up again, sophomore Ricards Busmeisters made his shot and gave the Bulldogs the victory.

Having advanced to the second round of the NAIA men’s Soccer Championships, the Bulldogs will face Mid-America Nazarene University at 1 p.m. on Saturday.