New-Look Defense Steps Up In Opener
Concordia had to replace several key members of its defense from 2015 and came up with a 0-0 double OT tie in the 2016 season opener.
| Final | 1 | 2 | OT | OT2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Stats
Wis.-Stout
| Game Statistics | Wis.-Stout | Concordia-M'head |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 8 (4) | 17 (3) |
| Saves | 3 | 4 |
| Fouls | 9 | 2 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 6 |
| Offsides | 0 | 0 |
MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/03/16)—If you subscribe to the theory that "offense wins games but defense wins championships" then Concordia's 0-0 double overtime tie with Wis.-Stout in the season opener was a good sign for the upcoming season.
The Cobbers held the majority of play in the second half and overtime periods but couldn't break through in the Blue Devil penalty area and had to settle for the 0-0 deadlock.
Concordia held a decisive 17-8 edge in total shots for the game but most of their attempts ended up off target as Stout came away with a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.
The 110-minute shutout is good news for the Cobbers who were playing their first game without 2015 All-Conference central defender Sadie Hayes who was lost to graduation.
Senior defender Erika Grinde assessed the situation by saying, "it's a little different with me in the middle and Erin (sophomore Erin Eidsness) on the wing but I think we are communicating really well and adjusting to the switch well."
The other key defensive component for Concordia in 2016 will be the play of sophomore goalie Maddy Reed. Reed takes over between the posts for three-year starter Elizabeth Bitzan. Reed, who was playing in only her third collegiate game, made four saves to earn her first college shutout. She had good command of her goal area during the game and was also able to start several offensive attacks for the Cobbers with her leg strength on punts and goal kicks.
"She is a spitfire, she boosts us up a lot," commented Grinde about Reed. "She talks a lot and is working on building on her confidence and comfort level with us."
The best Cobber offensive attacks came from the play of senior Emily Payne and freshman Karsen Granning. Both players recorded a team-high three shots. Fellow senior Emily Wendorff had a team-high two shots on goal.
FIT TO BE TIED: The 0-0 double OT tie was the first tie game for the Cobbers since the 2014 season. During that year Concordia played Carleton to a pair of double overtime 0-0 deadlocks.
WHAT'S NEXT: Concordia will host St. Scholastica on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. in the final game of the Cobber Invite. The Saints beat Stout 2-1 in overtime on Friday in the opening game of the tournament.
Erika Grinde Postgame Interview
