Former Concordia men’s soccer player Austin Peterson recently signed a contract with a professional club in Germany.
Former Concordia men’s soccer player Austin Peterson recently signed a contract with a professional club in Germany.

Peterson Signs Pro Contract In Germany

MOORHEAD, Minn. (3/27/19)---Former Concordia men's soccer player Austin Peterson recently signed a contract with a professional club in Germany.

Peterson, who was a 3-year starter and 3-time All-MIAC award winner, signed with the German club SC Hauenstein which competes in the Verbandsliga Sudwest - the 6th tier of German professional soccer.

Peterson earned a tryout with the German club because of the connections made by Concordia head coach Ben Schneweis in his recruiting travels to that part of Europe. Peterson went to Germany in February and was signed to a contract after a trial period just before March.

Peterson has appeared in five games since signing his contract as he gets used to the playing style of his new team.

"The speed of play is faster and it is a more physical game," Peterson commented. "A lot of fouls or cards that would have been given in the MIAC often go uncalled, or you get away with hard tackles without receiving a card."

A recent article in a local German newspaper highlighted the additions of Peterson and former Fargo South player Jacob Weiler to the club. According to the feature, both players have made contributions to the team and have been well received by the community.  

Peterson transferred to Concordia from the University of Jamestown in 2016 and proceeded to play in 49 games in his three seasons as a Cobber. Peterson was primarily a central defender for Concordia but also saw playing time as a forward and central midfielder.

Peterson had six goals and eight assists in his Cobber career for a total of 20 points. He was named to the MIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention Team as a sophomore and then earned All-Conference honors as a junior and senior.

Peterson has plans to come back home after the season and then return to Germany in the fall.

"I'll be staying in Germany until the beginning or end of May, depending on details related to my visa," Peterson added. "I'll be living at home for the summer, then plan to return to Germany at the beginning of next season."