An "A" For Effort And A Win

MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/17/17)--- Austin Peterson scored the game-tying goal in the second half and Aronah Mukhtar netted the game winner in the second overtime as Concordia battled to a 2-1 extra session win over non-conference opponent Coe.

The Cobbers fell behind in the first half but then put up an "A" for effort in the second period and overtime stanzas to earn their second win of the season – all this coming less than 24 hours after playing a conference game against Gustavus in St. Peter.

Concordia got off the bus at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night and a little over 12 hours was back on the field to face the Kohawks.

The Cobbers struggled early on but still held possession of the ball. Coe was able to get chances on counterattacks and long balls played over the top of the defense by the defenders and goalie. The Kohawks broke the scoreless tie in the 33rd minute of play when an attacker was left alone in the penalty area and he was able to get his head on a crossing service from the wing.

The goal would be the only shot for the Kohawks in the first half as CC held a 3-1 edge in total shots for the first 45 minutes.

Concordia stepped up its intensity and offensive attack in the second half and started to create chances at the top of the Coe penalty area.

The equalizer came at the 73:17 mark when junior Justin Froslie beat the Coe defense on the left side of the penalty area and then fire a pass across the goal that beat the goalie and found the foot of Peterson who only had to tap the ball into the open net. The goal was Peterson's first of the season and gave Concordia's tired legs a much-needed boost.

Concordia had nine shots in the final 15 minutes of play but were denied each time as they went for a winner in regulation.

The Cobbers held a distinct 13-3 edge in shots in the second half and continued the offensive pressure in the first OT period but once again had to settle for missed chances and goalie saves.

The best chance of the first OT session came when Froslie hammered a free kick from 20 yards out the rang off the corner of the crossbar and post.

Concordia's offensive ways were finally rewarded when junior Pierre Freitas-Elysee played a ball that freed Peterson on the right wing. Peterson then hammered a low cross that found a sprinting Mukhtar from five yards out. Mukhtar's one-time shot beat the goalie to give the Cobbers the win.

The Cobbers finished the game with a 21-4 advantage in total shots and a 10-2 edge in shots on goal. Mukhtar led all players with eight total shots and five shots on frame.

CHARLIE AND THE WIN FACTORY: Cobber senior goalie Charlie Trochlil made the most of his first career start as he turned aside one shot to pick up his first collegiate victory.

MUKHTAR MAGIC:  Aronah Mukhtar's game-winning goal was his third in the last three games. He has both game-winning goals for CC and leads the team with four tallies. His four goals are one more than any Cobber player had in all of last season and the most for a CC player since 2015 when Jacob Scmidt had five.            

SPLAT - JUSTIN FROSLIE'S FREE KICK
 

WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will get a much-needed rest as they will have a full six days to prepare for the next contest. CC will play at Hamline on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.