KEARNEY, Neb. – The Concordia-St. Paul soccer team (1-0) opened the 2018 season with a win over Western State (0-1) in Kearney, Nebraska on Sunday afternoon. Senior Jade Weller scored in the 11^th minute and the Golden Bears were able to hold on to the lead for the remainder of the game to earn the victory.
 
The opening win marks the second year in a row that the Bears have started the season with a victory, and the seventh time in the school's overall Division II history. This was, however, the first shutout win that CSP has had to start the year since the 2009 season, when the Bears defeated St. Francis (Ill.) 1-0 on the road.
 
This was the first time that the Bears have faced Western State and it proved to be a challenge from start to finish. Concordia did hold a 10-7 margin in overall shots, while holding the Mountaineers to only two shots on goal, both of which were stopped by junior goalkeeper Emily Nelson. At the same time, the Bears were able to post eight shots on goal of their own.
 
The Bears offense got off to an efficient start, as their first shot on goal scored to give them a 1-0 lead. In the 11^th minute Weller took a pass from teammate Katri Gifford and buried a 20-yard shot in the far left side of the net. Weller scored four times last season and now has 11 career goals, which is tied for 12^th most in CSP history. Gifford, who missed most of last season due to injury, picked up her third career assist on the play.
 
The Mountaineers had a chance to even the score just seconds later, but their shot missed wide. Concordia then took the next two shots on goal, but saw both saved by opposing goalkeeper, Emilie Eckhart. In the 33^rd minute, the Bears had another big chance to extend their lead, as they were awarded a penalty kick, but Weller's shot was saved by Eckhart.
 
The Bears went into the halftime break with a 6-3 edge in shots, and a 6-1 margin in shots on goal. The second half was a battle, as both teams took four shots, with only three total shots being on goal all half. The Concordia defense, which tallied seven shutouts in 2017, held strong to help the team record the win.  
 
Weller and Gifford led the offense overall, each taking three shots, for five total shots on goal between the two. Junior Hannah Pavek also tallied two shots, and Cayla Renwick and Brooke Salo each tacked on a shot on goal as well.
 
Nelson, who was 7-3 last season, recorded the win in net, playing all 90 minutes for the Bears, while making two saves to earn the shutout.
 
The Golden Bears take tomorrow off before competing again in Kearney, Nebraska on Sunday, September 2^nd, this time taking on the host school. Game time is set for 11 a.m. Both live video and live stats will be available, with links that can found at the top of the page or on the soccer schedule page.