ST. PAUL, Minn. – A late goal by Jackie Ehlert for the Golden Bears (6-0-1, 3-0-1 NSIC) propels them to a 1-0 victory over Minnesota Duluth (3-4, 1-3 NSIC). Ehlert's first goal of the season came in the 77-minute mark, she was assisted by Hannah Pedersen, her fourth assist of the season.

This was only the second time that CSP has defeated UMD in program history, last time was in 2015 when Concordia won 1-0. This snaps a three-game tying streak that the Bears and Bulldogs have had with each other. The Golden Bears are now 2-16-3 in their history with Minnesota Duluth. The 6-0-1 record is the best start that CSP has had since the 2001 season, that team started out 7-0. The 3-0-1 conference record is the best start to conference play since 2017 when they also started 3-0-1 against conference opponents. 
 
It was a battle in the first half as the Bulldogs out shot the Golden Bears 6-5 and also 2-1 in shots on goal. The Bulldogs had possession of the ball 55% of time in the first half and the Bears had possession 45% of the time in the first half. Minnesota Duluth had a chance right at the beginning of the game in the first minute when they had a free kick right outside the Golden Bears 18 yard box. Nan Glinsek took the free kick and it was blocked by the Golden Bears wall of defenders, Logan Nash picked up the blocked ball for the Bulldogs and fired it over the net. 
 
Hannah Pavek put a shot on goal for the Golden Bears, but it was saved Sophia Grenz. UMD's goalkeeper made one save and faced two corner kicks. Kara Pascarella and Tiana Degrande put shots on net for the Bulldogs but both shots were stopped by CSP's senior keeper Jordyn Clark. The Golden Bear keeper made two saves and faced one corner kick while playing all 90 minutes. 
 
The second half was where the Golden Bears took over, as they dominated with 58% ball possession to Minnesota Duluth's 42% of ball possession. Concordia also dominated with shots, edging out the Bulldogs 11-5 and also 4-2 in shots on goal. Jena Berkland tried to put the Golden Bears on the board in the 47^th minute but it was stopped by Grenz. In the 64^th minute Nikki Anderson had a great scoring chance for CSP, but it was steered away by the Bulldog keeper. The Bulldogs had in opportunity as their leading scorer Emily Hinz tried to sneak a shot past Jordyn Clark, but the senior keeper came up with the save. UMD had another scoring chance in the 70^th minute as Holly Kaboord tried to up top to find the back of the net but Clark made the leaping save. Seven minutes later the Golden Bears marched down the field and senior, Jackie Ehlert took a nice cross from Hannah Pedersen and shot it hard on the ground to find the right side of the net to put the Golden Bears up 1-0. The Bears defense showed their strength and at the end of 90 minutes the Golden Bears came away with the victory. 
 
Leah Johnson and Jena Berkland each had three shots for the Golden Bears and Nikki Anderson, Hannah Pavek, Jackie Ehlert, Hannah Pedersen, and Berkland had a shot on goal for CSP. The Golden Bears out shot the Bulldogs 16-11 and also out shot them with shots on goal with a 5-4 edge.
 
Jordyn Clark made four saves and faced three corner kicks while playing all 90 minutes and recorded the victory. She is now 6-0-1 on the season and 15-10-6 in her career. Sophia Grenz made four saves and played all 90 minutes in the Bulldog loss; she is now 3-4 on the year.
 
Head coach Steve Bellis commented on his teams' successful game, "We saw a really good advertisement for DII and NSIC soccer today. Both teams looked to play with some nice grit and determination. In a very close game, we came up strong with a wonderful goal from one of our most consistent players – I'm so happy for her." 
 
Game notes:

• Jackie Ehlert's goal was the first of the season and the first of her career. 
• Hannah Pedersen's assist was her fourth of the season which is a career high for her, and she now leads the team in assists. 
• Jordyn Clarks shutout was her fifth of the season and the 10^th (10.1) of her career.
• This was the first time in program history the Golden Bears have defeated St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth in the same weekend. 

 
The Golden Bears will travel to North Dakota next weekend to take on Minot State on Friday, October 4^th at 7 p.m. And then they will travel to Bismarck to play U-Mary on Sunday, October 6^th at 1 p.m. Live stats and live stream will be available, and the links can be found on the soccer schedule page.