Central takes advantages of errors in men’s soccer win
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA— Early miscues by Cornell College gave the Central College men’s soccer team a head start on its way to a 3-0 win Wednesday afternoon.
It started with an own goal by the Rams (1-1) just over 11 minutes into the contest. Some confusion between the goalkeeper and a defender led to an Aroni Niyikiza (junior, forward, Cedar Rapids, Washington HS) goal at the 18:08 mark.
“We were fortunate to be gifted the first two goals,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “At the same time, I think it was the result of the pressure we were putting them under. When you keep a team under pressure for long periods of time, it leads to mistakes.”
The Dutch (3-0) have squeezed three matches into five days and Laidlaw acknowledged that it adversely affected the play of his team.
“When you play a lot of games and practice less, the structure sometimes has breakdowns, especially with a lot of substitutions,” Laidlaw said. “But we’ve hardly conceded any shots and allowed no goals, I’m really pleased with that aspect of our play.”
Niyikiza added a second strike in the second half.
“I’m really happy for Aroni,” Laidlaw said. “It shows we are getting contributions from a lot of different players.”
Laidlaw cited midfielders Daniel Alanis (junior, Phoenix, Ariz., Apollo HS) and Andrew McMillan (senior, Dunlap, Ill.). Alanis transferred from Pine Manor College (Mass.) this season and McMillan is a four-year player and captain.
“Daniel has been a terrific addition for us in the middle of the park,” Laidlaw said. “He keeps the ball well and he’s creative. Andrew is leading by example like all captains should.”
Defender Taylor Petkovich (sophomore, Bow Mar, Colo, Heritage HS) sets the pace for the defensive backline that also includes Landon Daniels (sophomore, Webster City) and Logan Serbousek (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Prairie HS).
“Taylor was really solid today,” Laidlaw said. “He made adjustments from the last game and I thought he applied that well. Those three are really seem to be starting to gel as a unit.”
A two-game road trip south next weekend starts with a match in Elsah, Illinois at Principia College on Friday night, September 15 at 5:30 p.m.
