Bailey lifts Central in women’s soccer OT win
Central College
PELLA—Central College forward Alayna Bailey (sophomore, Des Moines, Hoover HS) needed an extra 26 seconds.
Charged with the task of scoring the game-winning overtime goal in five minutes, Bailey found the back of the net at the 95:26 mark, seizing a 1-0 Dutch victory over Minnesota-Morris Monday.
“I put Alayna in at the start of the overtime period and told her she had five minutes to score,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “She did her job and tucked it away.”
Central is now 2-0 for the first time since 2005 and has already matched last year’s season wins total.
Bailey, notching her fourth career goal, connected off an assist from forward Brittany Hinton (freshman, Davenport, West HS).
“I’m happy for Alayna to score,” Kobylinski said. “She works hard and is a great gal.”
Junior Steph Hasken (junior, Davenport, West HS) recorded two saves in her first career win as goalkeeper.
Both teams struggled to find an offensive stride in regulation play. The Cougars (1-2) held a slim 11-10 shot advantage and 6-4 edge in corner kicks. Central outshot Minn.-Morris 3-1 in overtime.
“It was a great battle,” Kobylinski said. “Both teams played more of a defensive shape. Minnesota-Morris played strong and tough and I was impressed with their midfielders. They ran at us more than we’re used to and their striker caused us some issues. We had to adjust and we did.”
The physical matchup had 18 fouls between the two squads.
“I told the players it wasn’t the best day for soccer, but we found a way to win,” Kobylinski said. “We really worked on mental toughness during preseason and that’s due to the captains. We’re definitely making strides in the right direction.”
Kobylinski highlighted the crowd.
“The fans were great,” Kobylinski said. “It was one of the biggest crowds women’s soccer has probably had in a long time. Maybe that’s what helped us. School spirit really makes a difference.”
Central wraps up its three-game homestand Wednesday with a women’s-men’s doubleheader against Nebraska Wesleyan, starting at 3 p.m. at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field. The Prairie Wolves are 1-2 overall and hold a 7-1 lead in the all-time series.
A video webstream and live stats will be available through the Central athletics website at www.central.edu/athletics.
“We couldn’t ask for a better start and we’ll continue to take care of business against Nebraska Wesleyan before we regroup for a weekend in Illinois,” Kobylinski said.
