(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia women's soccer has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2021-22 season. The Cardinals played a split season between the fall and spring last year due to the pandemic, finishing 5-6 overall and claiming the #5 seed in the WHAC. 6th-year head coach Kristin Abbott returns 18 players from last year's squad while adding a talented recruiting class of 9 newcomers.
2020-21 Season Review
Concordia finished 5-6 overall last year. The Cardinals began their season in the fall, going 3-2 and starting off the year with a 10-0 victory over Rochester. CUAA resumed action in the spring, ending up 5-4 in the WHAC and receiving the #5 seed. Concordia traveled to #4 Cornerstone in the first round of the WHAC tournament, nearly mounting a late comeback effort but falling 2-1.
2021 Schedule Outlook
The Cardinals will begin the year at the Spring Arbor Invitational, facing Saint Francis (IL) on August 27 and then the host Spring Arbor on August 28. The team's home opener will come on September 1 against Albion. After hosting Bethel a week later, the Cardinals will head on the road to Indiana East. Concordia hosts Judson on September 17 before going on the road to begin WHAC conference play at Rochester. The month concludes with a road contest at Madonna on September 29.
The Cardinals start October with three straight home games against Cornerstone, UNOH, and UM-Dearborn. After traveling to Cleary and Lawrence Tech, the team will have another 3-game homestand versus Indiana Tech, rival Siena Heights and Lourdes. The regular season concludes with a road contest at Aquinas on October 30.
If Concordia finishes among the top 8 teams in the WHAC, the team will qualify for the postseason conference tournament. The first round will begin November 3.
Concordia Personnel
Head coach Kristin Abbott returns 18 total players including 5 seniors and 14 upperclassmen. Senior goalkeeper Anna Roman recorded a shutout last year along with 31 total saves. Senior Allison Lentz scored a goal and 2 assists last season. Senior defender Amay Ciszewski returns after notching 2 assists while using her signature somersault throw-in technique. Senior defenders Mackenzie Rahn and Sierra Tischer will continue to show toughness anchoring the back end.
Junior Kendra Lewis was critical to the offense last year, scoring 6 goals (4 GWG) and adding 2 assists. Junior Isabel Stropich recorded a goal and 3 assists last season. Junior Megan Starkey had a goal and an assist last year. Juniors Abigael Harkins and Kiera Savage chipped in a goal apiece. Juniors Hannah Smigielski and Samantha Putnam showed toughness at the midfield position. Juniors Grace Dame and Halle Kallsen have provided depth to the team while working through injuries.
Second-team All-Conference sophomore Danielle Bracken returns after notching 2 goals and an assist. Sophomore goalkeeper Hayley Jacobson recorded a team-high 3 wins last year along with 26 saves. Sophomore Andrea Foster scored a goal last season. Sophomore Samantha Pomponio provided depth while recovering from an injury.
9 newcomers will join the program this year: sophomore transfer Aaliyah Mcintosh and freshmen Bryce Calka, Carmen Fowler, Gabrielle Kelel, Hazel Wright, Kamryn Gerecke, Mackenzie Lewis, Sabrina Bucci, and Taia Vega.
2020 Team Stats
Connect with the Cardinals
For the most updated information and news throughout the season follow the Concordia Women's Soccer team on their social media platforms. The Cardinals are on Twitter (@CUAAWS_), and Instagram (@cuaaws). Fans can also subscribe for text alerts and the Cardinals YouTube page for video interviews from players and coaches.
