ST. PAUL, Minn. –The Concordia Golden Bears Rocket League team (1-3) split Tuesday nights double header. CSP earned their first victory of the fall season against Kettering (Mich.) (0-3) in an exciting five game series before falling to Northwood (Mich.) (1-2) in a four-game series. Both competitions were in the group stage of the NACE Fall Rocket League Championship.
 
CSP rolled out their starting lineup as junior Phung Khang made her season debut, she was a staple in the Golden Bears lineup last season. She was flanked by freshman Brett Mickelson and sophomore David Voelker.  
 
In the first game of the night, it was a tight battle between the Bulldogs and the Golden Bears. Brett Mickelson got CSP going with a goal on three shots and also posted a save. But it was not enough, as the Bulldogs would pull away at the end to win the game 2-1.
 
The second game of the series was also a nail biter as the Golden Bears got off to a quick start by scoring in the first ten seconds of the game. The Bulldogs would follow up with the tying goal 15 seconds later. After a back and forth showdown the Golden Bears won game two 3-2. Phung Khang scored her first goal of the season, David Voelker also hoped on the offensive train with a goal and Brett Mickelson scored a goal, psoted an assist and also led the team with five saves. 
 
Keeping in tune with the series, the third game was also a one goal affair and once again the Golden Bears defense shined as they squeaked out the 2-1 victory over the Bulldogs. CSP held Kettering to seven shots, while Mickelson and Voelker led the Golden Bear offense. 
 
The Bulldogs would even up the series in game four by winning 3-2. Khang and Mickelson scored for the Golden Bears and Voelker made two saves, but it was not enough as Kettering forced a decisive game five. 
 
In the exciting finale the Golden Bears outshot the Bulldogs 9-3 as they defended their way to a shutout victory. Brett Mickelson scored the lone goal for CSP, but it would be all that the Golden Bears would need for a 1-0 victory and sealing their first win of the 2020 Rocket League fall season. 
 
Fresh off of their first victory of the season, the Golden Bears took on the Timberwolves in the second game of the evening. The Timberwolves showed their defensive strength in game one. Concordia outshot Northwood 8-6 but the Timberwolves held CSP scoreless in a one 1-0 loss. 
 
In game two the Golden Bears were able to get on the board with a goal by Brett Mickelson. But the Timberwolves offense exploded for three goals to lead them to a 3-1 victory and a 2-0 lead in the series. 
 
In a must win game, Concordia came out flying as both Mickelson and David Voelker scored a goal and Phung Khang made two saves and recorded an assist to lead the Golden Bears to a 2-0 shutout win over the Timberwolves. 
 
With a comeback looming, the Timberwolves pressed down on the gas in game four. The Golden Bears were able to get on the board with a goal by Mickelson, but the Timberwolves offense stepped up to secure the 3-1 victory and took the series from CSP, 3-1.
 
CSP is back in action next Tuesday night as they will take on Aquinas (Mich.) at 7 pm and Western Kentucky at 8:15 pm.