Late Goal Spoils Solid Second Half

MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/29/21)---A late, game-winning goal spoiled an outstanding second half performance for Concordia in their home conference game with St. Benedict. The Cobbers held possession of the ball in the Bennies' end for the majority of the second period, but conceded a goal in the 78th minute and lost 1-0.

Concordia (3-7-0, 0-4-0 MIAC) started the game full of energy and pressed the St. Ben's defense for the first 15 minutes. CC got a pair of shots on goal in the first minutes of play, and only had one more in the final 39 minutes of play in the half.

St. Ben's (4-3-2, 2-1-1 MIAC) started to find their rhythm after the first 15 minutes and was able to get six shots in the final 35 minutes of the half. They had four on frame as they looked to get the first goal of the game.

The game changed at half when the Cobbers had the 10-15mph wind at their backs. CC was able to hold the ball in the CSB end of the field for a huge chunk of the second half but were unable to come up with the final touch to get a clear chance on goal for a quality opportunity.

The Cobbers' best chance of the game came in the 54th minute when freshman Hallie Thompson received a pass, 25 yards out from goal at the edge of the left penalty area extended. She took one dribble and then fired a shot that curled just inside the far right post. The Bennies' goalie dove to her left to make the save, but the ball bounced out of her possession and rolled three yards away. Concordia freshman Alexandra Araiza sprinted toward the rebound, but just before she was able to get a foot on the ball, the keeper scrambled forward and smothered the ball.

The game-winning goal came at the 77:37 mark on a shot from the right wing that just eluded CC goalie Bre Nelson.

Concordia made one late push to get the equalizer, but had a shot at the 86:21 mark get saved and then another in the final 2-minutes just sail over the crossbar.

The Bennies held a 13-9 edge in total shots and a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal. The game surprisingly featured only one corner kick which was taken by CSB in the first half.

Samantha Holmberg and Amber Weibye had two shots each to lead Concordia. Nelson made eight saves.

UP NEXT: Concordia will travel south to take on St. Mary's in Winona on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. The Cardinals lead the MIAC with a 3-0-1 conference mark. They are 8-1-1 overall.