ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia-St. Paul soccer team (1-1) is gearing up for their last non-conference game of the year as they prepare for their NSIC conference schedule. They face some tough competition as they take on the Viterbo V-Hawks (Wis.) on Monday, September 11^th at 7 p.m. at Sea Foam Stadium.

This is the fourth year in a row that CSP has played Viterbo and this year the Bears hope to even up the series, as they have gone 1-2 in their past three meetings. In 2014 the Bears lost 2-0, but won 4-3 in OT in 2015. Last season, Viterbo reclaimed the series lead with a 3-1 win.

In the 2016 matchup, Viterbo scored two quick goals, both scored under ten minutes of play. Their last goal was also scored in the first half, in the 21^st minute. Viterbo overall had a slight advantage in shots (9-8) in the game, although the Bears outshot the V-Hawks in the second half (5-1). The Bears' lone goal came in the last three seconds, scored by junior midfielder Jordan Rowan-Stafford.  Rowan-Stafford also scored in the 2015 game, which was during her freshman season.

Viterbo will have played six games by the time they take on the Bears and currently have a 2-1-2 record, scoring a total of six goals in their five games played. Junior midfielder Macey Kalsheur is the leading scorer for the V-Hawks and has five points on the season. Their goalkeeper, freshman Abby Breitbach, has started in all five games, has 22 saves, and has allowed six goals for a save percentage of .786.

CSP is coming off a pair of non-conference games that they played over the weekend. They won the season opener against the Maryville Saints, with a score of 4-2. This was the first season opening win for the Bears since 2009. The offense showed their versatility as four different players scored for CSP.  Junior forward Katri Gifford opened up the scoring in the 20^th minute, followed by goals by Jade Weller and Mary Kaiser in the first half. Rowan-Stafford tallied an assist in the first half and finished her first three point game, with a goal in the 59^th minute. In addition to the hot offense, the defense had a strong showing, allowing only five shots for the Saints.

Following that victory, the Bears lost a close battle against the Lindenwood Lions in overtime 1-0. The Lions had the shot advantage (12-8) but only scored in overtime off a corner kick that was headed in.

Sophomore goalkeeper Emily Nelson started both games and recorded seven saves on the weekend. Rowan-Stafford currently leads the offense in both points and shots, with three points and six shots for the Bears.

After this last non-conference game, the Golden Bears will take on St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth in their opening weekend of NSIC play, in which they open up on the road.

If you are unable to make it to Monday's game, follow along at cspbears.com/watch.