Concordia women’s soccer comes back to defeat Chargers

Senior Hannah Kile looks for a teammate to whom she can pass the ball (photo from 2024 season).

Photo credit: Josiah Seabaugh

By Kai Olbrich

Sports Editor

The Concordia women’s soccer team secured a 4-1 win over Briar Cliff. After allowing an early goal in the fourth minute, the team responded with four unanswered goals, including two from sophomore Kyana Rios.

Despite the early concession, coach Nick Smith is proud of how his team responded.

“Overall, I thought our performance was strong. We got off to a rough start by giving up an early goal, but the team responded well by scoring four goals. It’s also a solid win against a conference opponent,” Smith said.

Junior Sadie Marez started the scoring with a free kick from over 30 yards out, which she put over the head of the Briar Cliff goalkeeper. Rios scored her first just two minutes after.

Rios and senior Kierstynn Garner each scored a second-half goal to put the game out of reach of the Chargers.

With the victory, Concordia improves to 7-0-3 overall and 2-0-1 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play. Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face Mount Marty on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Smith added that their next opponent was improved and would challenge them.

“Playing Mount Marty will be a tough test. They’ve improved from last year, and we want to keep building on the momentum we have going,” Smith said.