Women’s soccer ties Bellevue 1-1 in hard-fought home opener 

The Bulldogs celebrate Guadalupe Sanchez’s goal against Bellevue

Photo: Max Fritsche

Story by Keith Siek

Concordia took the pitch of Bulldog Stadium for the first time this season, playing host to the Bellevue University Bruins on September 2. The tight contest resulted in a 1-1 draw after playing in 90-degree weather.

Coach Weides thought his team played well against Bellevue’s ball-possession style of play, but said his team still got off to a slow start because of the limited time his squad retained possession.

“I thought that the team did well overall. We knew they were a very good possession-based team,” Weides said. “It was a rough start for us in the first half; We suffered without the ball.”

Despite limited time of possession, the Bulldogs notched their only goal of the game on a counterattack play 17:10 into the contest. Junior Kyana Rios assisted Sophomore Guadalupe Sanchez for the go-ahead score.

“We found a way to score on a really good counterattack,” Weides said.

Concordia’s team defence kept them in the game as the Bulldogs surrendered one goal in the opening moments of the second half. Just 48 seconds into the second half, Bellevue struck the back of the net as junior Aliya Vidro’s diving save deflected the ball to Bellevue for an empty-net finish.

On the day, Vidro recorded five saves and one goal allowed.

“Aliya was solid back there and helped us manage the game. She defended crosses well and put her body on the line for the team,” Weides said.

Vidro thought the team fought hard despite the tie, and knows that games like these serve as valuable learning experiences.

“We worked our butts off even though the heat was insane,” Vidro said. “We were expecting Bellevue to come back, but if we make sure everything is tight even from the very beginning of the second half, we’ll be good.”

Weides felt good about how his team fought to keep the game a tie against a national tournament caliber team. 

“Bellevue is a national tournament-type team. Ultimately, we were challenged, but I thought we made strides in fighting together and supporting each other,” Weides said. “I am proud of the group for working through a hard-fought draw.

With the tie, the Bulldogs move to 0-2-1 on the season. Concordia will travel to Salina, Kansas, in their next matchup to face Kansas Wesleyan on September 9th. 

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