Cobbers power past St. Catherine in women's soccer

FARGO - Even though Concordia senior goalkeeper Ali Nelson didn't have to make a save on a rainy, cold Wednesday night, she made school history.

Junior midfielder Gina Weiss scored two goals to help lift the Cobbers to a 3-0 victory against St. Catherine in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's soccer at Sid Cichy Stadium.

Nelson earned the shutout, which was the 37th in her career. That's the most in program history.

"She's been making everything simple," Cobbers head coach Dan Weiler said. "She prevents a lot of situations from happening, which has been the case her whole career."

Nelson surpassed former Concordia goalkeeper Britt Reiersgord, who had 36 career shutouts from 2005-08.

"It's a big deal, but I wasn't really focused on that," Nelson said. "It's more on our team play. I give a lot of credit to my backline and defenders. They don't give up many shots."

The Cobbers (11-3-1, 7-1 MIAC) have won seven of their past eight matches, including three in row. Concordia's lone loss during that stretch was a 4-3 double overtime loss at No. 16-ranked Wheaton (Ill.).

"Ali is the best goalie I have ever seen, even in teams we've played," Weiss said. "She makes it look effortless."

The Cobbers inched closer to a MIAC championship. Concordia is the only team in the league with one loss and no ties with three games remaining. Three teams (Augsburg, Bethel, St. Olaf) are tied for second place behind with 4-2-2 conference marks.

"It gets us a little closer to the title," Weiler said. "We're not emphasizing that a lot right now, but they certainly know that's the case."

Sophomore midfielder Marta Prosinski sparked the Cobbers early, scoring a goal less than a minute into the first half. Prosinski found the net off a rebound to give Concordia a 1-0 lead 49 seconds into the match.

"We attacked them really hard and got a goal in the first couple minutes, which kick-started the attack," Weiss said. "I think it's very important because we take charge of the game and not let them into the game."

Weiss scored her first goal at 16:44 of the first half, despite having to fight off two St. Catherine defenders in front of the net. That score gave the Cobbers a 2-0 lead. Weiss added her second goal at 77:41 for a 3-0 lead. Cobbers senior forward Sarah Rounds assisted on all three goals.

"They gave us trouble at moments, but I felt we were good today," Weiler said.

FIRST HALF: 1, CC, M. Prosinski (Rounds) 0:49. 2, CC, Weiss (Rounds) 16:44.

SECOND HALF: 3, CC, Weiss (Rounds) 77:41.

SAVES: SCU, Mendez 3. CC, Nelson 0.

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