Central wins Kobylinski women’s soccer debut

Central College

PELLA — Only three times in the past two years has the Central College women’s soccer team recorded a victory, but the Dutch made a winner of coach Mike Kobylinski in his collegiate debut Wednesday with a 2-1 come-from-behind upset of Grand View.

Senior forward Kristi Klatt (Cedar Falls, Cedar Falls HS) and freshman Gabbi Muse (Waukee, Waukee HS) each found the back of the net in the second half. Central trailed 1-0 after a Grand View goal in the 29th minute. But Klatt, in her first game after missing all of the 2010 campaign because of injury, teamed up with Nancy Huddleston (junior, Muscatine, Muscatine HS) to even the score in the 63rd minute.

“I think it shows a lot of grit and determination by the leaders on this team,” Kobylinski said. “We had a set game plan for the game against Grand View and we executed it to a tee.”

After being fouled by the goalkeeper, Muse regained her composure in her first collegiate game to score an unassisted goal with 15:00 remaining, putting the Dutch up 2-1.

“That shows that she has that heart and commitment,” said Kobylinski.

Despite being outshot 18-7 by Grand View (1-3), Central was able to hold on over the final minutes to notch its first win of the season. Senior goalkeeper Abby Norman (Geneseo, Ill., Geneseo HS) played all 90 minutes, making four saves. “This is just one game, one win,” Kobylinski said. “But I think it’s a positive. We can build on it.”

Central (1-0) stays home for the next two games, facing Minnesota-Morris Friday in its season opener. Sunday the Dutch take on Nebraska Wesleyan, which opened its season Wednesday.