Dutch men salvage soccer draw against Grinnell

PELLA — After yielding an early goal against Grinnell College, the Central College men’s soccer team found an equalizer in the second half to settle for a 1-1 tie Saturday.

Grinnell (2-1-1) took advantage of a miscommunication in the Central (2-0-1) defense to score in the seventh minute.

“We were a part of our own demise,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “You can’t do that at this level and not pay a price for it.”

Forward Nolan Piedimonte (freshman, Lee’s Summit, Mo., North HS) struck for his first collegiate goal in the 50th minute, thanks to a long assist from senior midfielder Solomon Mamola (Urbandale).

“That was a beautiful ball from Solomon to Nolan,” Laidlaw said. “Strikers need goals to build their confidence. I’m really happy for Nolan and it was a great finish.”

Goalkeeper John Foster (senior, Lee’s Summit, Mo., North HS) was credited with six saves.

Grinnell finished with a slight advantage in shot attempts (12-10) while the two team’s had an exact 50-50 in time of possession.

“If we’re looking at the balance of play and the statistics of the game, I think it was a fair result,” Lialdaw said.

Central has a quick turnaround to face Augustana College (Ill.) at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Rock Island.