Central men’s soccer team led by strong offense
PELLA- The Central College men’s soccer team had their highest scoring game of the season with Coleman Manuel (senior, Erie, Colo.) leading the way with two goals.
The Dutch (6-4-2, 2-0-1 American Rivers) defeated the University of Wisconsin-Stout 5-0 Sunday.
“It was good to put a few balls in the net,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “That has been a challenge for us at times this year but we were able to get into better positions and we were able to finish.”
In the 15th minute, a Wis.-Stout (2-11, 0-2 WIAC) defender got a red card leading to a converted penalty kick by Manuel to open the scoring. The Dutch would strike again in the 21st minute when Ian Gredell (freshman, West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) scored his second goal of the season off a pass from Trysten Vasquez (junior, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS).
The squad would add one more goal in the first half when Jack Hillis (sophomore, Clive, Waukee HS) scored his first career goal in the 38th minute. Nick Colavita (senior, Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Mountain HS) grabbed the assist.
“We were already planning on rotating the squad, but some players took advantage of the opportunities,” said Laidlaw.
Manuel would score his second goal of the match in the 71st minute from an assist by Nathan Scholl (freshman, Grimes, Dallas Center Grimes HS). This was Manuel’s third goal of the season. Central’s final goal came in the 85th minute when Ryan Anhalt (junior, Oswego) also scored his first career goal set up by Austin Bone (freshman, Pella) and Derek Beiner (junior, Newton).
“I thought (Manuel) was attacking well and trying to get in behind the defense,” Laidlaw said. “We have been trying to get him to do that more and he has it in his game, and we were really glad to see it happen today.”
The Central defense was just as good as the offense holding the Blue Devils to three shots and zero shots on goal.
The Dutch return to conference play when Luther comes to the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex soccer field Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
