Winning Playoff Formulas

ST. PAUL, Minn. (11/03/15)—Concordia used the winning formula for the 2015 season, the formula for championship teams and the formula for playoff soccer in their 1-0 win at Macalester in the quarterfinals of the MIAC playoffs.

The Cobbers got a goal from junior Emily Wendorff in the 21st minute, stepped up their defensive prowess and was able to survive and advance to the MIAC semifinals for the 13th consecutive season.

Concordia has now five of its last six games and moves to 12-7 on the season. Macalester has their 11-game unbeaten streak come to an end and finishes the year with a 10-3-4 record.

Wendorff has been the team's top goal scorer all season long and the Cobbers excel when she finds the back of the net. Wendorff entered the game with nine goals on the year and Concordia was 8-1 in the games she scored.

That formula held up midway through the first half when she took control of the ball towards the top of the penalty area with her back to goal. Wendorff was able to make a pair of moves to free herself and get enough room to attempt a shot on goal. Shen then fired a low laser that found the back of the net.

Wendorff's 10th goal of the year proved to be the game winner and it was her MIAC leading fourth game-winning tally of the season. Wendorff now has 10 goals and five assists for 25 points in 2015 after having a combined 10 goals and 27 points in her first two seasons in maroon and gold.

Concordia's defense stepped to the forefront for the final 68 minutes of the game. The Cobber back seven was able to keep the potent Macalester offense in front all game long and forced the Scots to try and force through balls that ran out the end line on the turf field or attempt shots from far out that were either blocked or corralled by goalie Elizabeth Bitzan.

The Scots had the majority of the possession and play in the second half but, playing like the playoff experienced team they are, the Cobbers were content to sit on the one-goal lead and not allow any quality chances.

CC was outshot 11-1 in total shots for the second half but the majority of those 11 Scot shots were contested and came from outside the penalty area.

Macalester wound up outshooting the Cobbers 12-6 in total shots for the game but Concordia had a 2-1 edge in shots on goal.

Wendorff had three of the team's six shots in the game as she proved her playoff mettle.

Bitzan only had to make one save to earn her third shutout of the season. She has now recorded shutouts in two of the past three MIAC playoff games dating back to last season.

WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will now stay on the road for the playoffs and head south to St. Peter. The Cobbers will square off against Gustavus in the MIAC semifinals on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Concordia beat the Gusties 3-2 in the regular season in a game played on Wednesday, Oct. 28.