Coach Jim Cella's Cobber mens soccer team earned their second consecutive MIAC title with a 9-1 MIAC season record, 12-3-2 in the regular season overall. The Cobbers ended the regular season ranked 16th in the nation and earned their first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Concordia beat Macalester 2-1 in the NCAA West Region Tournament's first round game and then lost to Luther in the Regional final.

The Cobbers were led by All-MIAC midfielder Todd Hashbarger ('98, Fargo, N.D.) and All-MIAC forward Brian Johnson ('97, Fargo, N.D.). Hashbarger, who was also All-MIAC in 1995led the Cobbers in scoring with 9 goals and 9 assists. He also earned All-Region honors. Johnson tallied 8 goals and 5 assists.

Earning All-MIAC Honorable Mention for the Cobbers was the MIAC's top goalie, Chad Anderson ('97, Wausau, Wisc.) Anderson set Cobber records for shutouts in a season (8) and a career (22). 

Cobber Peter Benson ('97, Moorhead) was another major reason the Cobbers have the best record in the MIAC over the past 4 seasons. He had 15 career goals and 16 assists and has consistantly been one of Concordia's best defenders.

12/7/96 Todd Hashbarger Named to All-Region Team

11/17/96 Cobbers Fall to Luther 4-1 in Regional Final

Concordia fell behind Luther 2-0 early in today's NCAA West Region Championshipgame at Macalester in St. Paul and never recovered. The Cobbers lost 4-1 to end their season 13-4-2. Luther (21-3) advances to take on the winner of the Great Lakes Regional.

Luther scored at 6:56 and again at 11:38 to take their 2-0 lead. Chad Fancher got the Cobbers on the board, with an assist from Jamie Johnson at 34:15. But Luther came back with two quick goals early in the second half, one at 46:45 and another at 57:52 to make it 4-1 Luther.

11/16/96 Cobbers Beat Mac at West Regional

Concordia scored a 2-1 overtime-shootout win at Macalester in St. Paul today to advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Cobbers (13-3-2) will now face Luther (20-3) at 1:00 at Macalester Nov. 17. Luther was a 1-0 OT winner over UC San Diego in today's first game, scoing the game's only goal 4 minutes into the first overtime.

The Cobber Win:

Cobber senior Pete Benson scored the game's first goal 14:50 minutes in on an assist from Jamie Johnson. Macalester tied it in the second half at the 70:51 mark on a goal by Dave Bohl.

After two scoreless 15-minute overtimes, the teams went to a shootout. Both teams converted on their first 4 kicks. Those first four Cobber kickers were Forrest Olson, Eric Berg, Jim Stone and Brian Johnson.

After Macalester's 5th kick was blocked by Cobber goalkeeper Chad Anderson, Pete Benson converted for the win.

Anderson had 4 saves on the day, before the shootout.

Mac ends the year 14-5 with two OT losses to Concordia. UC- San Diego, the region's No. 1 seed, ends the year 10-6-1.

11/14/96

Cobber senior Brian Johnson was named to the All-MIAC Team today along with junior Todd Hashbarger . The Cobbers, despite winning the MIAC, had only two members named all-MIAC. The fact that Cobbers Peter Benson and Chad Anderson were left off this team makes it pretty clear this coaches group needs a new, more reasonable, method of voting.

11/11/96

Concordia has earned its first-ever trip to the NCAA Division III Soccer Tournament. The Cobbers, along with Luther, Macalester and UC-San Diego, will take part in the West Regional Nov. 16-17 at Macalester. The Cobbers will play 14-4 Macalester at 2:30 Nov. 16. Luther (19-3-0) will take on UC San Diego (10-5-1) in the first game, beginning at noon on the 16th.

The regional championship game will be at 1:00 on Sunday, Nov. 17.

The Cobbers, 12-3-2 overall, 9-1 in the MIAC, were ranked 16th in last week's NCAA Division III Poll. UC San Diego is ranked 6th. Macalester, winners of their last 9 games, is ranked 23rd.

11/9/96

Cobs win MIAC by themselves with 9-1 record, 12-3-2 Overall,

The Cobbers repeated as MIAC champions this year. But today's win over former contender St. Olaf earned Concordia sole possession of the title and a definite NCAA bid. The Cobbers beat the Oles in Northfield 1-0 with a second half goal against a stiff North wind. St. Olaf came into the game with a chance to tie for the title but ended 7-3, 11-7 overall.

Todd Hashbarger scored at the 53 minute mark with an assist from Ryan Williams.

Chad Anderson , the best Cobber goalie in school history, recorded his 8th shutout of the season.

The Cobbers were 2nd in last week's NCAA Regional Poll, 16th in the NCAA Division III Poll.

11/1/96 Cobbers Get At Least Share of MIAC Title

Concordia gained a share of the MIAC title while practicing today. Macalester beat St. Olaf 3-2 in St. Paul to insure that the Cobbers can finish no worse than tied for the MIAC title. A win at St. Olaf Nov. 9 will give the Cobbers their first outright title. They shared the title with St. Thomas last year.