Sept. 13, 2011 - The Cougar men's soccer team saw a second-half lead get away in a 2-1 loss to North Central College this afternoon in River Forest. The loss was the fourth straight for Concordia following a season-opening victory over Webster University.

 

North Central dominated territorially over the first 20 minutes, keeping Concordia starting goalkeeper Jorge Guzman (Cicero, IL/Morton East) busy. However, the Cougars grabbed some momentum midway through the half and began to create a few chances. The best came in the 22nd minute when Kyle Joss (St. Charles, IL/St, Charles North) got his head on a long cross. Cardinals' keeper Phillip Klipp made the save on Joss but gave up a rebound in front. Taylor Nehmer (Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Lutheran) got off a shot in the middle of a crowd but missed wide right.

 

The scoreless battle finally gave way in the 64th minute as Concordia took the lead. Nehmer sent a pass to the right of the goal where Anthony Giammanco (Bartlett, IL/South Elgin) redirected it. A Cardinals' defender made a diving attempt to stop the shot, but the ball rolled over the goal line before it could be cleared.

 

Concordia's lead lasted just two minutes. Sam Duffield crossed from the left wing into the middle of the box from where Paul Box hit his shot over Guzman's shoulder into the net for a 1-1 tie.

 

The match appeared headed into overtime until the Cardinals struck for the game-winner in the 83rd minute. Jake Johnson sent a thru pass to Ryan Johnson charging up the middle. Guzman read the play and beat the NCC player to the ball. However, Jake Johnson had followed up his pass, and he poked the loose ball into the goal before Guzman could recover.

 

North Central threatened to put the game out of reach in the 88th minute when Dylan Pavlison (Villa Park, CA/Orange Lutheran) was issued a red card for a handball in front of the goal. However, Guzman made a diving hand save on Michael Curtis' penalty kick to keep Concordia's hopes alive. Unfortunately, the Cougars were unable to mount any serious scoring chances over the final minutes as the visitors hung on for the win.

 

The Cardinals fired 21 shots to the Cougars' six. Guzman, making his first start of the season, made eight saves.

 

Concordia (1-4-0) will host Lake Forest College Thursday afternoon at 4:00.