Dual hat tricks help Central pound Augustana in men’s soccer action

Central College

PELLA — Sophomore Miguel Pina (Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) and freshman Ian Meentemeyer (Hartsburg, Mo., Southern Boone County HS) found the back of the net three times apiece and the Central College men’s soccer team eased to a 7-1 victory against Augustana College (Ill.) Wednesday.

In its first two games this year, the Dutch fired off 32 shots but scored a single goal. In its blowout win over the Vikings (0-3-0), Central only need 13 shots to net its seven goals.

“I guess that’s the very definition of clinical-finishing,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “We hadn’t been doing a good job this year finishing chances. I would say that today’s performance goes a long way in correcting that fact.”

It was the first career hat trick for both of Central’s starting forwards.

“I’m happy for Miguel and Ian,” Laidlaw said. “They’re doing their jobs and they both know that we need them to score goals if we’re going to be successful this year.”

Bryce Leonard (junior, Williamsville, Ill.) capped off the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 89th minute. Leonard is returning to form after being slowed by injury.

“We’ve missed him a little bit this preseason,” Laidlaw said. “I thought he took his goal really well. It was a great individual effort.”

Starting goalkeeper Josh Carpenter (senior, Chelsea, Ala.) held the Vikings scoreless during his 90 minutes in goal, recording three saves.

“Josh has come in to the season on top of his game,” Laidlaw said. “He’s made big saves in every game, including today.”

Laidlaw also noted the performance of senior goalkeeper Ben Robertson (Pella), who also made three saves in just 13 minutes of action.

“Ben made one of the best saves I’ve seen since I’ve been here.” Laidlaw said. “I’m not sure too many other goalies could’ve gotten to that ball that was headed to the upper-90.”

Central cleared its bench in the match, using all 30 players in the victory, something Laidlaw was excited to see.

“We have a lot of confidence in our players and I think we’re trying to show that in the kind of minutes that we’re giving them,” he said. “Every single player on our team made a contribution today and that is really pleasing.”

A two-game swing through Minnesota begins with a 3:15 p.m. match at Crown College on Saturday.