(October 20, 2007 - Ft. Wayne, IN.) -- The Concordia women's soccer team had already established a school record for wins when they traveled to Indiana Tech for the final match of their season on Saturday.  The Cardinals dominated the game statistically but the Warriors scored the game's only goal and hung on for a 1-0 victory.

 

A look simply at the statistics would indicate the Concordia Cardinals (7-8-1, 3-8-1 WHAC) would have come away with a win on Saturday.  However the only stat that mattered was goals and Indiana Tech had one to the Cards' zero in the season finale for both teams.

 

Al Saba found the net for Tech (1-15, 1-11 WHAC) in the game's 13th minute to give the Warriors the lead.  Concordia had many scoring chances on the day with fifteen shots and six shots on goal but they could not capitalize.  The Warriors on the other hand had only three shots on the game and only two on goal.  The first time the two teams met the Cards pulled out the one goal decision with a 3-2 overtime win.

 

While Saturday was a tough way for this Cardinal squad to finish it does not put a damper on what was a successful campaign.  In addition to setting a school record for wins the Cards had strong performances from many of their younger players. Freshmen Lauren Harris (Ypsilanti, MI) and Michelle Sienko (Ann Arbor, MI) were consistent starters and contributors and can be expected to continue to shine for the next three years.  A third freshman Abby Lorion (Plymouth, MI) not only lead the team in goals and points but she established a new Concordia record for most goals by a freshman.

 

Sophomore Sarah Spader (Warren, MI) lead the Cardinals in assists with six and she joined sophomore Amy Zuccarell (Ottawa Lakes, MI) in being a constant factor in the midfield.  Junior Kelly Wurzell (Lambertville, MI) was a fixture in net for Concordia for a third straight season and this year she claimed two conference defensive player of the week awards and was also named the NAIA Region VIII defensive player of the week two weeks ago.

 

Finally, Saturday wrapped up the careers of six Cardinal seniors.  Emily Gau, Jennifer Schmidt, Leah Eicher, Michelle Baumgardner, Megan Romer, and Natalie Brown all had distinguished careers as Concordia athletes.  Romer (Canton, MI) finished in a tie for second all-time on the Cardinal scoring list and Natalie Brown finished her four year career as Concordia's all-time assist leader.

 

What this Cardinal team might be best remembered for is their overall competitiveness.  In their conference schedule the Cardinals showed a great propensity for playing thrilling close games.  Saturday was their second one goal match against Indiana Tech and the Cards also claimed an draw with Cornerstone and two wins over Davenport.  The Cardinals also posted a perfect 4-0 mark against non-conference foes.  The Concordia women's soccer program continues to be on the rise and while the 2007 campaign is now complete it will be remembered for the contribution of some outstanding veteran players and the glimpses of the future through the great play of the Cardinals underclassmen.