Heated Conference Opener

MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/12/17)--- In one of the hottest MIAC games ever played at Concordia, the Cobbers allowed a goal in the first 15 minutes of play, had their best chance splat off the goal post in the second half and lost 1-0 to St. Benedict in the conference opener.

The teams battled through 90-degree temperatures with the heat draining both teams in the second half. Neither team was able to get many quality chances in the game and the lone goal in the opening half proved to be the game winner.

The loss snaps Concordia's two-game win streak and they move to 2-2-1 on the year. The Blazers remain unbeaten as they improve to 4-0 in all games.

The only goal of the game came in the 13th minute of play when freshman Megan Thompson was played thought the back of the Cobber defense on the left wing. Thompson took a couple of touches and then found the back of the net at the 12:20 mark.

The two biggest chances in the remainder of the game came in the second half. St. Benedict was awarded a indirect free kick from just outside the Cobber 6-yard box. CC keeper Maddy Reed made a big save on the ensuing tap and shot to keep the game at 1-1.

Concordia's best chance to tie the game came at the 63-minute mark when freshman Hannah Sandin hammered a shot from the right wing that beat the Blazer goalie but smacked against the far post. The rebound came back into play but a CC attacker was unable to get to the ball before the goalie corralled the rebound.

St. Benedict outshot Concordia 16-2 in total shots and 9-1 in shots on goal. Sandin had both shots for the Cobbers in the game.  

Reed stopped eight shots for the Cobbers.

ALL OR NOTHING: Concordia has either been shutout or scored at least three goals in a game. The Cobbers have been blanked three times this year and are 0-2-1 in those games. CC is 2-0 in games when they score at least three goals.

SILVER ANNIVERSARY: Concordia goalie Maddy Reed played in her 25th game for the Cobbers in her first 3-plus seasons. She has a 1.59 goals against average and has eight career shutouts.  

WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will head out on the road for a pair of games this weekend. The Cobbers will play at Gustavus on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. CC will then head out of conference to take on Wis.-Eau Claire in Eau Claire on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m.