Defense Shines On Opening Weekend

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (9/03/23)---The Cobber defense stepped into the spotlight in the opening weekend of the season. Concordia lost 1-0 at No.15-ranked Loras on Saturday and then posted a 0-0 draw at Wis.-Platteville on Sunday.

The Cobbers' offense created some chances in both games but couldn't find the back of the net, while the defense was stellar in holding the nationally-ranked Duhawks and Pioneers to only one goal in the 180 minutes of play. It's the second straight season that CC has only allowed one goal in the opening weekend of play.

Concordia's only goal allowed came in the fourth minute of play on Saturday against Loras. The Duhawks, who were unanimous favorites in the A-R-C preseason coaches' poll, notched the game winner at the 3:39 mark of the season's opening half of play.

The Cobbers then proceeded to "bend but don't break" defense for the final 86 minutes of play. Concordia was outshot 9-2 in shots on goal for the game and 22-2 in total shots.

Cobber junior goalie Kaitlin Petrich made eight saves in the game as she kept CC within one during the entire second half of play.

Chloe Sollom and Sophia Robinson had the two shots in the game for the Cobbers.

On Sunday, Concordia and Platteville posted only one combined shot on goal in the first half of play but then found some offensive rhythm in the second half to post six shots on goal and 11 total shots.

Both teams had chances from inside 20 yards during the second half, but both goalies were equal to the task. Bre Nelson made her first start of the season in goal for CC and turned aside five shots to record the sixth shutout of her career.

Robinson and Kelleigh Staples had the shots on frame for the Cobbers. Emma Sheflo and Kara Ellis provided the other shots in the game.

UP NEXT: Concordia will host its home opener on Friday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. when they square off Neb. Wesleyan. The Cobbers lost 1-0 to the Prairie Wolves last year in Lincoln.