The golden bears (0-2) were victimized by a big play offensive attack by augustana (2-0) in a 35-16 loss saturday evening that snapped a 19-game home winning streak at griffin stadium for concordia university in front of over 1,200 fans. The vikings scored on pass play of 89 yards, a run play of 80 and a 29 yard interception return for a touchdown which was the difference in the game.

the 19-game winning streak spanned three full seasons, their last loss at home was the final home game in 2002 against winona state on oct. 27. They did not lose a game at griffin stadium in 2003, 2004 or 2005.

concordia dictated the tempo in the first quarter as they held a 7-0 lead after the first 15 minutes. The cu defense was aggressive, holding augie to just one first down and 18 yards of total offense (10 rush/8 pass).

things were going the golden bears way as they tallied 87 yards in the quarter led by senior runningback aaron cawthorn's (left)38 yards on six carries including a 25 yard touchdown run. Junior quarterback kole goodchild was efficient while managed the offense, completing 7-10 passes to six different receivers for 44 yards. The scoring drive was a 12-play, 78 yard drive that took 5:57 off the clock and seemingly awarded the momentum in cu's favor.

but augustana responded in a big way in the second quarter when augie quarterback tommy flyger hit chris pomerleau on a pass that ended up going 89 yards for a touchdown with just over 10 minutes to play in the half.

just over five minutes later, the vikings rallied for a six play, 70 yard scoring drive that lasted 3:49 to take a 14-7 lead.

the bears had a chance to cut the score to 14-10 but senior kicker brody johnson's field goal sailed wide right from 31 yards out.

the second quarter was more favorable for augustana as they notched 189 passing yards while the concordia offense was more efficient with 103 yards but no points to show for it. The cu run defense shut the vikings down to just one yard in the quarter and 11 for the half.

concordia did cut into the lead in the third quarter when b.johnson drilled a 40 yard field goal attempt to capitalize on a golden bear turnover when senior defensive end travis mellor (left) sacked flyger knocking the ball loose which was recovered by sophomore linebacker duy huynh (right).

the vikings were explosive with their response to the cu field goal as flyger broke free for a 80 yard touchdown run with some key downfield blocks that freed him up for the final 30-plus yards.

concordia would score a fourth quarter touchdown on a 27 yard strike from goodchild (left) to sophomore receiver tyrone ruffin (right). They missed the two point conversion attempt leaving the score 28-16 with just over nine minutes to play.

the vikings added their final touchdown on the interception return from 29 yards out with just over six minutes to play to seal the victory.

goodchild finished the game 21-39 for 199 yards with one td and one int. Senior backup quarterback jay schauder came in and completed 3-4 for 21 yards late in the game. The duo faced an intense augustana pass rush as they were sacked four times and hurried 30 more times.

they were outdone by flyger, who completed 19-28 for 329 yards for three td's without an int. Flyger also led the augie ground game with 10 attempts for 85 yards and a td. Other than flyger, the vikings managed just 31 yards rushing on eight attempts.

cawthorn led cu's rushing effort with 11 carries for 72 yards, a 6.5 yard average including the 25 yard touchdown run. The receiving core was led by ruffin who had eight receptions for 87 yards and the 27 yard td while junior antwon williams had eight catches for 60 yards.

defensively, the bears were led by senior defensive tackle eric power (left) who had a pair of sacks, four quarterback hurries and five tackles (four solo, two for loss). Senior linebacker brad scherer's six tackles were team high while huynh and freshman strong safety rojeer wright each added five tackles.

the bears look to start a new home winning streak next saturday, sept. 16 when they take on northern state at griffin stadium at 1:00. The game will be broadcast live on cstv. Check the cu website for details.