Offense Goes On A Ram-Paige

ST. PAUL, Minn. (10/03/16)--- Senior Paige McCullough scored two goals and added two assists in Concordia's offensive 4-0 win at Northwestern.

The four goals is the second most scored in a game by Concordia and the win is the second straight for the Cobbers who improve to 3-5-3.

The six points recorded by McCullough is a career high and the second highest total by a CC player this season. Fellow senior Emily Wendorff had an eight-point game against Minn.-Morris.

The non-conference game couldn't have started any better for the Cobbers. Northwestern started the game with the opening kick and played the ball backwards to the right wing. Concordia was able to intercept a pass and attack down the wing. A subsequent crossing attempt went off a Northwestern defender and McCullough pounced on the loose ball 20 yards out from goal. She took a touch to put the ball on her left foot and then curled a high shot into the upper left-hand corner of the net.   

McCullough's goal just 19-seconds into the opening half was the fastest of the season for CC and started the offensive ball rolling.

Concordia wound up outshooting the Eagles 15-3 in the first half in total shots and 25-4 for the entire game.

Wendorff would double the Cobber lead in the 12th minute and McCullough would get her first assist of the game. McCullough one-timed a pass through the middle of the Northwestern defense and Wendorff ran on to the bouncing ball and one-timed it into the left corner as the Eagle keeper was coming out of the net to cut down the angle.

The goal at 11:58 was Wendorff's fourth of the season while McCullough added her seventh assist.

Concordia would have to wait until the second half to add to its lead. McCullough scored her second of the game at the 56:06 mark when she scored directly from a corner kick. McCullough was able to knock a looping cross that curled into the back right side of the net.

The goal was McCullough's fourth of the year which ties her for the team lead with Wendorff.

The final goal of the game came from McCullough and freshman Karsen Granning was able to net her first collegiate goal.

McCullough took possession of the ball on the left win 25 yards out from goal. She then crossed a ball towards the near post. Granning ran past the Northwestern defense and was able to reach the ball just before the goalie reached the cross. Granning then headed the ball into the net to finish off the scoring.

McCullough finished with a game-high six total shots and had four shots on goal.

Maddy Reed made three saves in goal for CC to record her fifth shutout of the season.

A PAGE OUT OF THE CAREER-BEST BOOK
McCullough's six-point game pushes her season total to 16 points. That is one point more than her previous single-season point total best. Last year she had four goals and seven assists for 15 points and in 2016 she now has four goals and eight assists for 16 points. McCullough now has 39 career points.              

WHAT'S NEXT
Concordia will return to Moorhead and host Carleton on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. as part of the annual Homecoming celebration.