Having three matches under your belt may not seem like much on the surface when you take a step back and look at a team's entire schedule.
But for Concordia senior forward Connor Gordon, the opportunity to play three full contests and prepare for a fourth is not something he takes for granted.
Â
In the fall of 2017, Gordon dislocated his left ankle in the third match of the year. Gordon had already scored four times in those three appearances and was coming off a career year where he had led the Eagles in scoring during the 2016 season.
Â
"It was really hard," admitted Gordon. "Just the way the team was built (last year). I was off to a good start and it was a bummer. But it was part of a bigger plan."
Â
Gordon missed the rest of the season after suffering that ankle injury against Cal State Los Angeles.
The time he spent rehabbing and watching his teammates from the sideline helped him reflect on how he has grown since he first stepped foot on Concordia's campus.
Â
"I've definitely grown as a leader and being more selfless," said Gordon, who was awarded a medical redshirt year for the time he missed. "I think more about communication, about taking ownership and being accountable, and how my actions will affect others. I think about what do I have to give as opposed to what can I take."
Â
Gordon maintains his ankle is close to 100% and he is ready to pick up his teammates on and off the field just as they supported him when he was unable to play.
Â
"When you walk in here, it's a journey," explained Gordon. "It really rewards everyone who sticks it out. You will not be the same person when you leave. At some point on everyone's journey, things get hard. And that's where coaches and players really help pick up the slack to help you keep walking."
Â
"Connor is the example of that model student-athlete to represent Concordia," said CUI director of soccer Chris Gould. "He demonstrates excellence in the classroom, on the field and in life and it's all Christ-centered."
Â
"To see that he is coming back for his last year is really a testament to his dedication to his teammates and the program," said Gould. "The struggle with injury - it's all about how you respond to adversity."
Â
Gordon and the Eagles host Cal Poly Pomona Wednesday at 1 p.m. in game one of a men's and women's doubleheader with the Mustangs before traveling to Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday.
Â
CUI opens up conference play in the PacWest on Thursday, September 20 with a 1 p.m. home match against Fresno Pacific.
