(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia women's soccer improved their overall record at Cardinal Stadium to 10-0-1 today by defeating the Timberwolves of Northwood University, 3-0. This marks the first victory over a NCAA DII school since Coach Steve Shelton took over the program. Coach Shelton was pleased with his team's quick start, "I thought we finally started the game off well and put them on their heels right from the beginning."
The Cardinals came out aggressive and scored a quick goal when Sydney Rouse (SO/Canton, MI) found an open lane for an unassisted goal in the 7th minute. The goal was the first for Rouse this season. Concordia found the net again 11 minutes later when the Timberwolves were unable to clear a loose ball in front of their net. Sophomore Julia Palushaj (SO/Northville, MI) punched it in for her 5th score of the season. The Cardinals had control of the ball for much of the half, but had to fight off a strong attack by the Timberwolves in the 30th minute aided by multiple clutch saves from Maria Lulgjuraj (FR/West Bloomfield, MI) in goal. This was the third shutout for the Cardinals this season. "Our defense stood strong under slippery conditions. Getting another shutout was a positive for us," added Shelton.
The Cardinals got an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when Julia Palushaj scored her second goal of the game. The win today moved the Cardinals season record to 4-2-1. After the loss the Timberwolves are now 0-2-1.
Next up for the Cardinal Women's Soccer team is a home contest against WHAC opponent Davenport University (1-2-1) on Wednesday, September 16th. The game will be played at 4pm in Cardinal Stadium.
Follow all Concordia Cardinal action online at concordiacardinals.com and on Twitter @CUAACardinals.
