Pina, Mathys honored by league office

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — An upset victory in the first round of the American Rivers Conference tournament helped two Central College men’s soccer players earn the league’s performer of the week honors.

Forward Miguel Pina (senior, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) was named the offensive player of the week while goalkeeper Andrew Mathys (junior, Elburn, Ill., Kaneland HS) was chosen as the defensive player of the week.

Pina’s seventh goal of the season came at a crucial time as it vanquished the No. 4 Simpson College Storm 2-1 in the first overtime in the first round of the conference tournament on Saturday. It’s the second game-winning goal of the season for Pina having previously hit a penalty kick to defeat Wartburg College 1-0 on September 29.

Getting his first career start in goal, Mathys earned his first collegiate victory as a keeper in the win over Simpson. He made six saves while allowing one goal. In total, he faced 14 shot attempts by the Storm.

Central will play Loras College in a semifinal match Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. in Dubuque.