A Thrilling Double Overtime Opener

ST. PAUL, Minn. (9/02/16)—It was the rare case of a "good loss" as Concordia held perennial nationally ranked Colorado College scoreless into double overtime before giving up the game-winning goal in the 106th minute in the season opener for both teams.

"I was very happy with our intensity and work ethic throughout the game," commented head coach Ben Schneweis. "We also played 20 players in the game which we have never done in a game of this caliber."

In addition to the 20 players the Cobbers used in the thrilling 106-minute opener, the team also used eight newcomers to the team.

The first half was more of a back-and-forth affair while the second period and the two extra sessions found Concordia in their defensive end of the field. The Tigers held a 6-2 edge in shots in the first half and then went on to outshoot the Cobbers 24-8.

The best chances for the Cobbers came in the second overtime period. Senior Sage Thornbrugh had a great look at the net from the top of the box and then sophomore Wyatt Holwagner got behind the Colorado College defense on the right side and fired a well-struck shot to the back left corner of the net. The Tiger goalie appeared to be beat but at the last minute made a superb diving save to get a finger on the shot and tip it around the post.

Colorado College, who was in the "also receiving votes" category in the Division III preseason national rankings, would come down and win the game a few minutes later on a ball that was crossed from the wing and found an open attacker in the middle of the penalty area.

Cobber junior Jacob Schmidt had a team-high three shots on goal. Concordia goalie Ben Glogoza was impressive in the first game of his senior season. He made 11 saves including several highlight reel diving stops.

The Cobbers will have a day off before playing Buena Vista on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Thomas.