MIAC-Opening Offensive Malaise

MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/14/16)--- One clear chance was the difference between Concordia and Hamline in the MIAC opener on Wednesday. The Pipers were able to convert on the lone quality chance of the afternoon and came away with a 1-0 win.

Neither team could produce any clear-cut chances in the 90 minutes. Hamline had the better of the possession but their offense fizzled in the final 25 yards while Concordia was unable to get on track through the middle part of the field.

The loss ends Concordia's three-game unbeaten streak while the Pipers extend their win streak to five games. CC is now 2-2-1 on the year.

The Cobbers had two total shots in the game and had their best offensive chances from the wing. CC was able to get to the end line on several occasions but couldn't get on the end of crosses that were played across the Hamline goal area.

The Pipers were able to spring forwards to the corner by long through balls but their crossing attempts and through ball chances were gobbled up by goalie, and MIAC Player of the Week, Ben Glogoza.

The second half slowed to a snail's pace on the offensive end. Hamline was content to keep numbers behind the ball and play for a result while Concordia was unable to put together multiple-pass sequences that moved the HU defense and had to settle for winning the ball back in the offensive third of the field to create chances.

In the end Hamline outshot Concordia 9-2 but there were only three shots on goal from both teams the entire game. Jacob Schmidt and freshman Aronah Mukhtar had the only shots for the Cobbers with Schmidt earning the only shot on goal.

Glogoza made four saves in goa for CC but most of his work came from snaring crossing attempts and through balls.

DEFENSE STILL SOLID: Despite the tough luck on offense, the Cobber defense continues to shine in 2016. CC has not allowed more than one goal in the first five games of the season. In 2015 Concordia only held opponents to under two goals on four occasions. CC has allowed only three goals this year and has a 0.74 goals against average. Last year the Cobbers finished with a 2.43 GAA.   

WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will play its first conference road game of the year this weekend when they travel to St. Paul to take on Macalester on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m.