Sept. 6, 2011 - Concordia-Chicago's women's soccer team played their first road contest and their first Northern Athletics Conference match Tuesday evening in Milwaukee. The Cougars put forth a very good effort against the Milwaukee School of Engineering, but a goal in the 88th minute proved the difference in the Raiders' 2-1 victory.

 

Concordia played on nearly even terms with MSOE in the first half. A highlight of CUC's effort was a solid defensive effort against Raiders' top scorer Jessica Axt; the Cougars held Axt to four shots, just one on net for the entire evening. However, the hosts did open the scoring in the 15th minute on an unassisted strike by Paula Bohl. The score remained at 1-0 for the duration of the half with MSOE holding a 9-6 advantage in shots.

 

The Cougars came out for the second half with "some very good energy" according to CUC head coach Thomas Goines. That energy resulted in the equalizing goal just 61 seconds into the half. Haley Graner (Waukesha, WI/Waukesha West) broke free along the left side and crossed the ball to the far post where Elise Bicek (Mokena, IL/Lincoln-Way East) was waiting. Bicek tapped the ball home from six yards out to tie the score.

 

The Raiders put the pressure on for much of the second half, outshooting the Cougars 13-3. However, the defense held firm with Callie Hasselbring (Houston, TX/Cypress Ridge) needing to make just two saves.

 

With time running out, MSOE put home the winning goal. A pass from Allison Zinmont found Gabbie Pung through a crowd, and Pung's shot hit the back of the net for the 2-1 lead with just 2:41 remaining.

 

The Cougars (1-1) will travel to downstate Carlinville on Saturday to take on Blackburn College in a non-conference match.