Men’s Soccer Advances to GPAC Semifinals

by Taylor Roby

Micah Lehenbauer’s goal in the 86th minute helped lead the Bulldogs to victory against sixth seeded Briar Cliff to advance further in the GPAC tournament. This chilly battle was decided in the 86th minute, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Concordia.

The Bulldogs outshot the Chargers 16-8. The defensive line has been a crucial piece in the teams success this season. In fact, the defensive back line held Briar Cliff to just two shots on goal.

“We were really happy to keep the top scoring team to just two shots on goal, and they score line doesn’t show the domination of the game,” Senior Toby Down said.

“This years success has been built on our defensive prowess. Everyone who has been asked to do a job has performed brilliantly. Jack has kept us in games by making saves that no keeper has any business making, but the four in front of him have been just as important,” Goalkeeper coach Daniel Ball said. “Coach Weides, Coach Holmes, and Coach Nico spent the last two years cultivating a mindset and defensive understanding that has given the rest of the team freedom to go and play.”

The Bulldogs had several chances on goal, and continued to persevere throughout the duration of the game. Garrett Perry had a goal called back due to an offsides call. However, the team continued to fight back.

“Overall, I thought we played well against Briar Cliff,” Micah Lehenbauer said.  “I felt like we got unlucky a few times and should have even had a few more goals.”

Up next, the Bulldogs will kickoff at 7 p.m. in a semifinal game vs. Northwestern. In the two teams previous meeting this season, Northwestern handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season with a 2-1 double overtime victory. The of the match between Concordia and Northwestern will play in the tournament championship on November 9th.

“We know what we are good at and we are going to go into the game Saturday aiming to play our style of football,” Toby Down said.  “Hopefully we can avenge the first loss this season and move on to the GPAC finals.”