Cervelli’s strike enough in Central men’s soccer victory

Central Dutch Athletics

WINONA, MINN.— After missing three games with an injury, midfielder Tony Cervelli (sophomore, Plainfield, Ill., South HS) returned and powered the Central College men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Saint Mary’s University (Minn.) Friday night.

Cervelli scored in the season opener for the Dutch (6-0-0) and assisted another goal two days later but had been out of the lineup since September 1. His second goal of the season was the only tally in Friday’s game and was the difference against the Cardinals (2-2).

“He marked his return with a great goal,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “He converted a header off a nice serve from Jake Kolehmainen (freshman, midfielder, Eagan, Minn.)

Playing back in his home state, Kolehmainen notched the assist on Cervelli’s goal. The assist was the first point of his college career.

“I’m really happy we’re getting contributions deeper into our roster,” Laidlaw said.

Goalkeeper Andrew Mathys (senior, Elburn, Ill., Kaneland HS) booked his third shutout of the season Friday night. He only needed to make one save on five shot attempts.

“When we need him he is there,” Laidlaw said. “At the same time he is happy with the way the team is playing in front of him.

Laidlaw cited the work of his team’s defensive effort, including starting defenders, Brant Mueller (sophomore, Bettendorf), Landon Daniels (senior, Webster City), Taylor Petkovich (senior, Littleton, Colo., Heritage HS) and Joel Collett (junior, Walford, Cedar Rapids Prairie HS).

“I thought we were tremendous defensively tonight,” Laidlaw said. “We limited their chances, they didn’t really have a quality shot until the last three minutes of the game.

On Sunday, Central travels to St. Peter, Minnesota for a noon match against Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.). In the meantime, the team will enjoy a Saturday off in Minnesota.