Just Enough Offense And A Boatload Of Defense

Duluth, Minn. (9/02/12)—Concordia used a boatload of defense and just enough offense to beat UW-Superior 1-0 and collect their first win of the year. The one-goal win gives first-year head coach Ben Schneweis his first collegiate coaching victory.

"I was very pleased with the way the guys played today," commented Schneweis. "We improved from Saturday's opener and it was nice to see all their hard work pay off in the form of a result."

The Cobbers posted all the offensive output they would need in the game when junior forward Kristian Reiersgord finished off a nifty give-and-go passing combination play with midfielder Jared Rice in the 10^th minute of play. After combining with Rice at the top of the penalty area, Reiersgord was able to beat his defender to the ball and toe poke it past the keeper into the far side of the net. It was Reiersgord's first goal of the season.

The Cobber defense then took center stage with junior goalie Peter Runquist shutting the door on the Yellowjacket attack. Runquist came up with key stops in the second and also cut off several through balls that were played into the Concordia penalty area. He finished with nine saves on the day and earned his seventh career shutout.

"I thought the entire defense played together very well," added Schneweis. "They gave up chances but never gave up a goal. And in soccer that is the bottom line."

Concordia's shutout bid was made even tougher midway through the second half when sophomore midfielder Jannick Bettels earned his second yellow card of the game and was sent off in the 71^st minute. The Cobbers were able to hold off several last-minute offensive surges by Superior to end a six-game winless streak that dated back to the middle of last October.

The game was played as part of the St. Scholastica Advantage Emblem Cup. The Cobbers tied for second place and Reiersgord and defender Brett Wegleitner both earned All-Tournament honors.

Concordia will open their 2012 home schedule when they host UM-Morris on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. at the Jake Christiansen Athletic Complex.