Men's Soccer | 8/31/2010 8:55:13 AM
Game Notes (PDF)
Live Stats
Match Preview
The McPherson College men’s soccer team opens its 2010 season this Wednesday night against Concordia University (Neb.). The match is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. CST from McPherson Stadium in McPherson, Kan. A link to Live stats will be provided on www.macbulldogs.com.
A number of questions surround the 2010 squad, including how the team will recover from the graduation of three-time NAIA All-American Armando Rodriguez. For four years, Rodriguez led the team in every offensive category.
Despite the loss, the Bulldogs return most of a backline that allowed a school record nine goals in 2009, including KCAC Goalkeeper of the Year Blake Jett and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American Tyler Tank. Jett ranked third nationally with a 0.47 goals against average per game, while the team rested amongst the top 10 in shutouts per game and total shutouts.
Following the mid-week contest, McPherson hosts the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 4.
Recapping Last Week
McPherson finished out fall camp with scrimmages against Allen County Community College and a group of program alumni. The Bulldogs dropped a 2-1 decision at the hand of the Red Devils before an experienced alumni squad won in extra time, 1-0. The scrimmages allowed Quint to get a look at all of his personnel during “in-game” situations.
Scouting Concordia
The Bulldogs return all but two starters from its 2009 squad that went 4-13-1 overall and finished tied for 12th in the Great Plains Athletic Conference with a 2-9-1 mark. Concordia features honorable mention All-GPAC selection Todd May. In his rookie season with the Bulldogs, May scored one goal and added two assists, while ranking second on the team with 12 shots on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Chris Podlich anchors a defense experienced its fair share of growing pains in 2009. Podlich ended last season with a 1.77 goals against average, while averaging 4.71 saves per contest and a 0.714 save percentage.
Head coach Jason Weides enters his third season as the head coach of the Bulldog men’s soccer program. Weides owns a 10-25-4 mark and a 6-15-3 recording in league play. Prior to assuming the head coaching role, he spent time as the teams assistant coach. A native of Kearney, Neb., Weides is an alumnus of Concordia University where he was named a second team all-conference selection as a senior.
Series Breakdown
McPherson and Concordia have met twice on the pitch in recent history. McPherson is 1-1-0 against CU, including a 3-0 shutout against the Bulldogs. A Brent Mulford goal in the 25th minute proved to be the game winner as Concordia failed to score against a strong defensive attack from McPherson. In their only other meeting Concordia defeated McPherson, 3-1.
