Cobbers Fall 2-1 After Late Third-Period Goal

MOORHEAD, Minn. (2/14/26) – Concordia dropped a tight 2-1 decision to Bethel Royals on Saturday night after a late third-period goal proved to be the difference.

Bethel controlled much of the early momentum in the first period, outshooting the Cobbers and 15-12 forcing Concordia goaltender Dane Couture into several key saves. Couture stood tall through 20 minutes, turning aside a steady Royals attack to keep the game scoreless heading into the intermission.

The Cobbers flipped the pressure in the second period, generating quality looks throughout the frame and earning a power play midway through. Despite sustained offensive-zone time and multiple chances from Matthew Hard and Ryan Roethke, Concordia couldn't break through. Bethel capitalized at 10:07 of the second when Tyler Braccini scored at even strength on a puck that found its way to the net during a dump-in attempt, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Concordia responded in the third. After drawing a penalty early in the period, the Cobbers converted on the man advantage as Caden Triggs buried a power-play goal at 3:51 off a feed from Matthew Hard to even the score at 1-1. Patrick Dunaiski was also credited with an assist on the play. 

Both teams traded chances down the stretch, with Couture continuing to make timely stops to keep Concordia level. However, with just 1:14 remaining in regulation, Bethel's Tyler Kostelecky found the back of the net at even strength to regain the lead. The Cobbers pulled Couture for the extra attacker in the final minute but were unable to find the equalizer.

Couture finished with 34 saves in the game.

The Cobbers return to action Thursday night for a 7:00 puck drop at Saint John's.