3-Goal Comeback Falls Short

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (9/21/19)--- In one of the most up-and-down, momentum-swinging games in recent history, Concordia lost 4-3 in the final two minutes of play after staging a 3-goal comeback against Bethel.

The Cobbers trailed 3-0 in the first 30 minutes of play but then scored a trio of goals in a span of 11:52 in the second half to tie the game at 3-3. The Royals then won the game with 89 seconds left to go in regulation.

The loss is the second straight to start conference play for the Cobbers. CC is now 4-2 overall and has lost both games by a single goal.

The first half was a "good news, bad news" scenario for Concordia. The Cobbers outshot Bethel  8-6 in the first 45 minutes of play but trailed 3-0 thanks to three goals in the first 30 minutes of play.

Concordia's improbable comeback started in the 52nd minute when sophomore Nate Weever finished off a cross from freshman Telvin Vah after Vah had intercepted a BU pass in the middle of the field. The goal was Weever's fifth of the season.

Freshman Patrick Smith then brought the Cobbers to within one goal when he netted his first collegiate goal. His strike from the wing at 61:14 turned the momentum squarely in the Cobbers' favor.

Senior Sam Gess then completed the comeback when he tapped home a cross that somehow went through the entire Bethel defense. The goal was Gess' fourth of the year and he now has a team-leading 12 points in the first six games. Sophomore Brendan Koplin was credited with his first collegiate assist on the play.

The Royals somehow kept Concordia at bay after the 3-goal spurt and was able to win the game at the wire when they scored on a heavily contested shot from the left side of the penalty area.

Concordia outshot Bethel 16-4 in the second half and 24-10 for the game. CC also held a 14-7 advantage in shots on goal. Gess had a game-high seven total shots while Weever posted five shots on goal.

Concordia split the goalkeeping duties in the game. Keith Sullivan played the first 31:33 and made one save and then freshman Noah Sahr finished the final 58:27 and made two saves.                  

UP NEXT: The Cobbers will look to get back the momentum when they play at Wis.-Superior on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.