OMAHA, Neb. – When Bella Olsen punched in the equalizer in the 57^th minute off a rebound, College of Saint Mary was thinking upset against Concordia University, a returning national qualifier and picked second in the GPAC in the preseason.

The veteran Bulldogs composed themselves, however, and notched goals in the 64^th and 76^th minutes to battle past the Flames 3-1 in Great Plains Athletic Conference soccer action Wednesday at the CSM complex.

"Concordia's one of the better teams in the GPAC, so being able to fight with them for, I'd say at least 70 minutes of that match, was good,'' CSM Coach Jamison Parkhill said. "I'm really, really proud of them, the way they fought. We created chances.''

Concordia, which received votes in the latest NAIA national poll, remained unbeaten and improved to 6-0-3 overall and 1-0-1 in GPAC play. CSM dropped to 2-7-0 and 1-1-0.

The Bulldogs held slim offensive advantages of 15-13 in shots and 11-10 in shots in goal, so College of Saint Mary was indeed creating opportunities against the talented Bulldogs.

"It feels better than what the last six matches were,'' Parkhill said. "There is a little part of me that's OK with the loss, just because I hope it makes us hungrier.''

Concordia opened the scoring in the second minute when three-time All-GPAC performer Kierstynn Garner scored on a pass from Sadie Mares.

The Flames had some of their best moments of the season in the remainder of the first half, even though they didn't have anything to show on the scoreboard.

Finally in the 57^th minute, Ella Klusman's shot was denied, but Olsen was in perfect position to knock in the rebound and then celebrate the tying goal. It was the seventh of the season for the reigning GPAC Offensive Player of the Week.

However, Garner deflected in her second goal of the game on an assist from Abby Haynes in the 64^th minute. And Concordia gained some breathing room on Sierra Springer's goal in the 77^th minute off a rebound.

Parkhill singled out the efforts of Reese Johnson, Bella Knudtson and keeper Jenna Brown.

"I thought Reese was a force today in the back line, getting forward,'' he said. "Bella is really playing into a bigger role, and I thought she did a really good job.

"I thought this was one of Jenna's best games so far this season. It could have been worse if she wasn' t back there. I thought she had a fantastic day.''

Klusman had a team-high six shots for CSM, including five on goal, while Brown made eight saves.

The Flames return to action Saturday with a 1 p.m. GPAC home match against Northwestern College.

"I'm really looking forward to Northwestern,'' Parkhill said.