(Adrian, MI) – Concordia women's soccer traveled to Siena Heights on Saturday afternoon for a WHAC conference rivalry game. The Cardinals entered the game 1-1 overall while the Saints came in 2-0. The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the game, but CUAA came back to claim a 3-2 victory.
Hayley Jacobson started in goal for Concordia. Isabel Stropich took a powerful shot for the Cardinals' first shot on goal. CUAA opened scoring in the 12th minute when Samantha Golchuk scored an unassisted goal. Golchuk battled past the Saints' defense and fired a high shot in the top of the net.
Hayley Jacobson made a save several minutes later as the remainder of the 1st half was a defensive battle. Jacobson remained sharp, picking up a loose ball in the final seconds of the half, and CUAA led 1-0 at halftime.
Concordia threatened early in the 2nd half with a corner kick off the foot of Kendra Lewis. However, Siena Heights battled back with goals in the 54th and 56th minutes to take a 2-1 lead.
The Cardinals responded in the 65th minute when Samantha Golchuk tied the game with Allison Lentz drawing the assist. Golchuk was able to dribble through multiple defenders and make a sliding shot in the bottom left of the net.
Just over 2 minutes later, Kendra Lewis scored the eventual game-winning goal. Lewis patiently advanced a loose ball through multiple defenders and took a low shot on the right side of the net.
The Cardinal defense was able to hold steady for the remainder of the game, securing a critical 3-2 victory.
Coach Abbott was pleased with her team's performance. "We persevered as a young team," said Abbott. "The first 20 minutes of the game was the best Concordia soccer I have seen. We had many chances in the first half and need to capitalize next time. The girls worked hard all week to prepare for this rival game. We need to soak it in, be proud, and prepare for Lourdes next week."
Concordia improves to 2-1 overall with the win. The team will return home on Saturday, October 24 when they host Lourdes at 3:00pm.
