Experienced Defense Locks Down Luther In Opener
Concordia's playoff-experienced defense shut down the Luther offense to help the Cobbers post a 1-0 in the season opener.
DECORAH, Iowa---Concordia had all four of their starting defenders back from last year's MIAC semifinal team and it showed in the season opener at Luther. The Cobbers locked down the Norse offense and posted a 1-0 victory.
The win is the first in a season opener for the Cobbers since the 2019 season when they bettered Presentation 3-0 in South Dakota.
The Cobbers got the game-winning goal just before the halftime break when Hannah Mukhtar was able to corral the ball after one the Luther defenders tried to win the ball inside the Norse penalty area. Mukhtar gained control of the ball and fired it past the on-rushing goalkeeper. The goal came at the 44:47 mark and was Mukhtar's fourth career goal.
Concordia outshot Luther 10-5 in total shots in the game and held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. CC also had the upper hand in corner kicks with a 4-1 margin.
Cobber senior goalie Kaitlin Petrich stopped all five shots she faced to earn her fifth career shutout.
Concordia will make the 204-mile journey southwest to Indianola, Iowa where they will square off against Simpson on Saturday at 5 p.m.