Concordia Men’s Soccer Wins Home Opener

by Jordan McCoy

After winning a first ever GPAC title and taking their trip to the national tournament last season, Concordia’s men’s soccer team had high expectations for their home opener against York College on Aug. 31. The Bulldogs got their first win of the season while putting up four goals Wednesday night. A different player scored each goal for this victory.

Ecuador native and transfer from Evergreen Valley College, junior Marcelo Hernandez debuted his first season on the field at Concordia with a goal assisted by Micah Lehenbauer to take the lead.  Freshman forward Carlos Ferrer also scored his first goal as a Bulldog with 28 minutes left in the first half.  A key returner for the Bulldogs, junior Micah Lehenbauer added a goal with 13:42 left in the first half. Less than five minutes into the second half, senior Andrew Mussell scored off a header, notching his first collegiate goal while playing at center back.

Senior goalkeeper Mark Horsburgh was taken out of the game 10 minutes into the second half due to injury from making a diving save and colliding with the York forward. Senior Nick Varilek was subbed in and played the remainder of the game as goalkeeper for the Bulldogs. Early into the second half, coach Jason Weides began making substitutions hoping to get some eager players off the bench and into the match.

The Bulldogs stand at 1-0 on the season and will face Graceland University at home on Saturday, Sept. 3.