Central men’s soccer team suffers loss to Luther

PELLA- After a scoreless first half and a competitive second half the Central College men’s soccer team conceded a late goal to fall 1-0 against Luther College Tuesday.

“I am very proud of our guys,” said coach Garry Laidlaw. “Today we played fantastic but we were unable to get a result but there were so many good things we did out there. Luther is an excellent team, they put you under pressure and you must concentrate for 90 minutes. I thought our guys gave everything to the game and I am encouraged by it.”

The Dutch (6-4-2, 2-1-1 American Rivers) were outshot by the Norse 12-6 but five of the six shots for Central were on goal. Ronan Murphy (senior, Des Moines, Roosevelt) was strong in goal collecting six saves.

“I thought our defensive effort, structure and intensity gave us a chance to get something from the match,” Laidlaw said. “I thought Murphy was excellent in goal. I was impressed from Luther, but I told the guys that I was just as impressed with how they played.”

Josh Wilson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk) was the only Central player with multiple shots on goal.

“We created a few moments on the attack but not quite enough to get a result from the game,” Laidlaw said.

Luther (6-4-4, 4-1-0 American Rivers) scored the lone goal in the 78th minute.

The Dutch look to rebound Saturday when they go on the road to Wartburg College at 5:30 p.m.