Dutch women draw in final game of Michigan soccer trip

Central College

ALBION, MICH. — Two overtime periods weren’t enough to break a 1-1 tie, as the Central College women’s soccer team played to a draw against Albion College (Mich.) Sunday.

Not only did the match finish with a 1-1 tie in the scoring column, both the Dutch (0-1-1) and the Brits (1-0-1) registered 11 shots and seven on goal.

“It was a back-and-forth game,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “It was a very physical and well-played match on both sides. A lot of credit goes to Albion, they gave us a terrific match.”

The Dutch got their equalizer in the 66th minute when Kallie Holte (junior, Kirksville) took an assist from Kayla Sunvold (senior, Runnells, Iowa, Southeast Polk HS) to net Central’s lone goal.

“That was a beautiful goal,” Kobylinski said. “Kayla played the ball across and Kallie headed it home.”

Splitting time between the posts were senior goalies Sydney Lunardi (Bettendorf, Davenport Assumption) and Savana Robinson (Des Moines, Hoover HS). Lunardi got the start, but Robinson was electric in relief with five saves.

“I think we have two of the best goalkeepers around,” Kobylinski said. “It’s a luxury that we’re going to hold on to and cherish for the rest of their senior seasons.”

Kobylinski also cited the efforts of starters Kalee Findlay (junior, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) and Kelsey Roxworthy (senior, St. Charles, Ill., East HS).

“Kalee was a stalwart today,” he said.“Kelsey had some crucial tackles for us as well”

Although the Dutch were unable to achieve a win on their Michigan trip, Kobylinski believes the venture will pay great dividends down the road

“Both of our matches were against very talented sides,” Kobylinski said. “We’re starting to learn how to manage games. I was very pleased with our effort this weekend.”

The first home match of the 2016 campaign takes place Wednesday at 5 p.m. when Grinnell College comes to Pella.