Concordia men’s soccer builds confidence with shutout victory
Junior forward Oliver Benson ducks around an opponent to make a pass (photo from 2024 season).
Photo credit: Josiah Seabaugh
By Ransom Watts
Improvements on and off the field led the Concordia men’s soccer team to a big 1-0 shutout home victory against Briar Cliff this Saturday, their first against a Great Plains Athletic Conference opponent.
Bringing the intensity to the game right from the start, the Bulldogs stuck to the Chargers like glue, keeping their defenders busy with great control and coverage on the field.
Concordia’s first goal came 36 minutes into the game; junior Oliver Benson’s header into the goal ended up being the memorable moment from the match. Freshman Oliver Balazs gave Benson his opening and is credited with the assist after his blocked shot was returned into the goal by Benson.
Benson had more to say about his team than anything about himself.
“It was all about the intensity the guys brought on the field,” Benson said. “It was also all about the intensity they brought off the field.”
Concordia, who nearly doubled the shots of the Chargers, outshooting them 24-16, clearly showed this newfound intensity.
Towards the end of the second, Briar Cliff managed to muster a few offensive spurts, but the Bulldogs’ airtight defense and one incredible save by Concordia’s goalkeeper, senior Iñigo Beunartea, held them at bay until the end.
Afterwards, Coach Jason Wiedes shared what he saw as the key to Concordia’s improvement from last week’s 2-1 loss against Northwestern.
“Everything looked different from Northwestern, everything. We were poor as coaches and we were poor as players,” Weides said. “I think this is closer to what we expect to see from ourselves and our capabilities.”
Benson shared how the game helped boost team confidence.
“It certainly helps build confidence for the team and myself knowing that we’re hungry and ready for the teams coming forward.”
But for both Coach Wiedes and the team, it was also clear that confidence doesn’t just come from victory.
“Ultimately, confidence doesn’t come from whether you win or lose,” said Weides. “Confidence comes from within. Confidence comes from when you hold each other accountable, in your faith, and having the mental fortitude to believe in your vision even when things aren’t happening in the moment.”
After Saturday’s shutout against Briar Cliff, the Bulldogs, who now hold a 3-6-0 record, look ahead to a heavy GPAC schedule where they are hoping to bring some of the same improvements and confidence to the field.
