Central men’s soccer team falls in season opener

PELLA- Opening the season against Macalester, the Central mens soccer team was shutout 2-0.

After a scoreless first half for both teams, the Dutch (0-1-0) conceded a goal in the 69th minute, followed up again giving up another goal in the 80th minute.

“We could not find the back of the goal once they scored,” said coach Garry Laidlaw. “I was pleased with the first part of the second half where our best spell of the match resulted in a flurry of good chances, unfortunately we could not find the back of the net.”

Midfielder Teddy Apostolopoulous (freshman, Pella) led the squad with 2 shots on goal in his first career start.

Goalkeeper Ronan Murphy (senior, Des Moines, Iowa, Roosevelt) battled in goal with two saves.

“I think we can take a lot of positives from the match,” Laidlaw said. “I thought our guys gave a lot to the game which gives us optimism moving forward.”

Central men’s soccer team returns to the pitch once again at the A.N. Kuyper Athletic Complex soccer field against Westminster (Mo.) at 2 p.m. on Monday.