ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Concordia Golden Bears soccer team (0-3-2, 0-0-2) continues NSIC play this weekend as they travel Southwest Minnesota State on Friday, Sept. 23 at 4 pm before returning home to host Sioux Falls on Sunday at 1 pm.
 
The Golden Bears are coming off a pair of ties against Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State to begin NSIC play.

"Both games were great competition against teams that have done well in the preseason and early season games. We will build on those games as we go into this weekend's games." Head coach Steve Bellis said reflecting on the previous two games.

Against UMD, Concordia trailed by one with under a minute remaining in regulation as Jade Weller lined up for a free kick from about 40 yards away. She put the ball into the middle of the box where Collette Piche redirected the kick to the right side of the box to Mary Kaiser who put the ball into the lower left corner of the goal from 10 yards out to tie the game 1-1 with 40 seconds remaining in regulation and forcing overtime.

In overtime it was all defense both ways on the field as neither team was able to attempt a shot on goal in the 20 minutes of extra time.

Against St. Cloud State, CSP's character was greatly put the test Sunday afternoon, having to come from behind three times against a very solid St. Cloud State team who was coming off a very impressive win over powerhouse Mankato State.

Only one goal would be scored in the first half and it went to the Huskies. In the second half there were five combined goals scored between CSP and SCSU. Katri Gifford tied the game four minutes into the second half off a lob pass from Weller. From there it would remained tied until the 65th minute of the game were St. Cloud State would regain the lead.

With 15 minutes remaining in the game and the Golden Bears trailing by one, it was Gifford again who would tie the game with a one touch goal off a pass from Erica Landry. Just over 30 seconds later though, the Huskies would break the tie yet again taking a 3-2 lead. After two goals scored in a 33 second spread, Jordan Rowan-Stafford would get fouled inside the penalty box 16 seconds later setting up a penalty kick and chance to tie the game yet again. Chelsie Lindsay would be selected to take the penalty kick for CSP and she would put the ball into the lower right corner of the net, tying the game 3-3. The game would head to overtime after neither team could score the game winning goal in regulation.

In overtime, it was a defensive battle as both team's shots were limited in the extra 20 minutes of play. Jordyn Clark made a huge point blank save in overtime to prevent the Huskies from coming away with the win. In the end, the game would end in a tie after a very exciting and entertaining NSIC game.

Heading into the Friday, Concordia holds a 7-11-1 record against the Mustangs in the all-time series overall. The Golden Bears have lost the last three matchups against the Mustangs prior to winning seven straight matchups with SMSU dating back to 2007.

In last year's meeting, Southwest Minnesota State would come away with a 1-0 win at Sea Foam Stadium. The Mustangs who struck first in the 13th minute as Emily Huddleston broke down the right side of the field behind the Concordia defense and rolled the ball past Emma Gartner into the left corner of the net. The Golden Bears used some strong runs to create chances but were unable to turn those chances into shots. The pressure continued to come for CSP but they couldn't break through and slip one past Kristy Leopold as the Mustangs closed out the 1-0 win.

"The games they have played have been very scrappy, they have grit, determination and character. We will go down there with a real good positive outlook. There are no easy games in this conference." Bellis said about SMSU.

Last September, the Golden Bears claimed a 3-0 win at home against Sioux Falls to pick up their second win of the year. Alahna Anderson shined as she scored her first two goals of the season on the afternoon while Concordia added another goal off a beautiful pass to Taryn MacMillan, who headed the pass over the keeper's head from five yards out.

The second half evened out a bit more but the Golden Bears continued to create scoring chances and control much of the possession. CSP added 11 more shots (four on goal) in the second half as they finished with a total of 28 shots (15 on goal) for the game.

"They will be better than last year, they have a good young team and their coach is back for her second year. It'll be a good game and we will prepare as best we can knowing we only have one day prep for Sioux Falls." Bellis stated about USF.

Concordia is 6-0 all-time against Sioux Falls dating back to their first meeting in 2000. The Golden Bears have scored three goals in each of the last four meetings with the Cougars and have shut out USF twice.