Fransdal's Hammer Helps Keep Unbeaten Streak Intact

MOORHEAD, Minn. (10/08/14)—A 35-yard blast just under the crossbar from the right foot of senior defender Libby Fransdal helped No.13-ranked Concordia keep their unbeaten streak intact as they beat St. Thomas 1-0.

The first-half strike from the Cobber captain pushed CC's unbeaten string to nine games. Concordia is now 10-1-1 in all games this season and remains unbeaten in league play. With the victory over the Tommies the Cobbers move to 5-0-1 in the MIAC and jump to the top of the conference standings.

Concordia controlled the game for large chunks of time and held a decided 10-3 edge in shots in the first half of play. The Cobbers chose to go with the 15-mph wind in the opening 45 minutes and used the breeze to keep the ball pinned in the St. Thomas end.

Concordia recorded eight of the first 10 shots in the game before Fransdal gave CC a 1-0 lead. The biggest strike before the eventual game winner came from senior midfielder Elizabeth Robinson who blistered a shot from the top right corner of the penalty area that forced Tommie keeper Tarynn Theilig to extend full out to make the save.

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The only goal of the game came in the 38th minute of play when Concordia won a throw-in on the left wing. Sophomore defender Erika Grinde threw the ball back up the field to a wide open Fransdal who was standing 37 yards away from goal. Fransdal took one touch to get the ball out of her feet and then sent a shot that sailed over Theilig's head and under the crossbar. The goal at 37:30 was Fransdal's second of the year and also her second game winner of the season.

"I was actually just looking to go far post," recalled Fransdal. "It ended up just curling in."  

The wind settled down slightly in the second half and the play held up mainly in the middle portion of the field. Each team was able to break free for a couple of chances. The best opportunity of the final period came in the 68th minute when Robinson was able to free herself of the defenders off of the dribble and then crunched a shot that splattered squarely off the crossbar and ricocheted away from the goal.

Concordia outshot the Tommies 4-1 in overall shots in the second half and 2-1 in shots on goal.

For the game the Cobbers enjoyed a 14-4 edge in total shots and a 9-3 margin in shots on goal. CC also had a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Concordia goalie Elizabeth Bitzan made three saves to pick up her seventh shutout of the season. She currently leads the MIAC in shutouts on the year. Bitzan also dropped her season goals against average to 0.64.

The Cobbers will look to extend their unbeaten streak when they host Hamline on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. as part of the annual Homecoming festivities. 


Libby Fransdal Postgame Inverview