OMAHA, Neb. - On a night where the lead changed hands four times it was Bellevue University's women's soccer team which ultimately prevailed over Concordia University by a final count of 4-3 at Tranquility Park on Wednesday night.
Sophomore Lauren Clark (Portsmouth, England) scored in the 75th minute to give BU the lead for good. Junior Betsy Fischenich (Omaha, Neb.) sent in a cross to the middle which Clark collected and buried past keeper Chrissy Lind for her first goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
With the victory BU is now 2-0-0 on the season while Concordia drops to 1-1-0 with the defeat.
The scoring was opened in the 25th minute by Concordia's Jessica Skerston. After a pair of Concordia shots by Rachel Mussell and Marcie Sindt were blocked Skerston followed up and put the ball in the back of the net for her second goal of the season the 1-0 Bulldog advantage.
BU struck back in the 31st minute. Freshman Madison Lambert (Bellevue, Neb.) lofted a cross from the left side that found senior Mercy Darkoah (Sheffield, England) who headed the pass into the goal to level things at one goal apiece.
The even score lasted just nine and a half minutes until the Bruins took a 2-1 lead after an own goal by the Bulldogs. Fischenich forced a turnover and found Darkoah on a run through the box. Darkoah's shot attempt was cleared in the wrong direction and ended up in the Concordia goal.
Megan Brunssen pulled things back on level terms in the 44th minute with her first goal of the season. Melissa played a cross from the left side of the box which landed at Brunssen's feet and after a touch she beat freshman keeper Bailey Petzoldt (Hastings, Neb.) to the far side post.
Concordia took a 3-2 lead in the 57th minute after earning a free kick at the far side, 6-yard box extended. Jeanelle Condame took the set piece and delivered a well-placed ball to Sindt whose one-timer found the back of the net for her first goal of the campaign.
Darkoah found the equalizer for Bellevue in the 75th minute off of a great corner kick attack. The corner by Clark found Fischenich whose shot was stopped but her header found Darkoah who blasted a shot from the goal line for her second tally of the evening.
BU held a 21-10 edge in shots and out-gained Concordia in corners by an 8-2 margin. Petzoldt made a pair saves in goal for Bellevue to preserve the victory.
The Bruins will return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 10 when they travel to Doane College for a 5:00 pm contest.
