Central men’s soccer squad returns with more depth

PELLA- After being just minutes away from qualifying for last year’s American Rivers tournament, the Central College men’s soccer team is hungry to return to the pitch.

Last season the Dutch had an improved 7-8-2 record but were 3-5 in conference play, giving up a late goal in the season finale to miss out on a conference tourney berth. But, with nine returning seniors, coach Garry Laidlaw has brought in a giant recruiting class of 20 freshmen and one transfer, helping create excitement and potential.

“I think that we have addressed positional needs,” Laidlaw said. “We have added quality depth in those positions that will set us up for the injuries that happen over the season. Depth is where we struggled with that the past few seasons but this year, we are more prepared.”

The Dutch scheduled difficult non-conference games to get in form for grueling conference opponents.

“We start with Macalester, which spent most of last season in the top 20,” Laidlaw said. “Our squad will play a great non-conference schedule that will prepare us for a league schedule full of tough games.”

Last year’s lessons are now this year’s motivation.

“Preparation and having lived in those scenarios, we will grow from that,” said Laidlaw. “The details and small moments matter, and we need to learn from our mistakes to get where we want to be. Along with the hunger and desire of being so close last year will help to motivate this team.”