Dutch men tripped up late in soccer loss

PELLA — After taking the lead 25 minutes into the match, the Central College men’s soccer could not hang out to the decision as Loras College rallied late to win 2-1 Tuesday afternoon.

The loss eliminated the Dutch (7-8-2, 3-5-0 conference) from American Rivers Conference tournament contention and ended their 2023 season.

Nolan Piedimonte (freshman, Lee’s Summit, Mo., North HS) bagged his fourth goal in conference matches and his team-high seventh of the season off a Carter Newhouse (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS) assist to give Central a 1-0 lead in the first half.

“Nolan’s been doing it all year,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “What a great contribution from a first-year player. He’s got a bright career ahead of him.”

A converted penalty kick leveled the contest in the 68th minute before a long volley put the Duhawks up for good in the 88th minute.

“It’s always tough when you’ve carried the lead for so long to give it up that way,” Laidlaw said. “It took something special by Loras to beat us and that’s why I’m proud of this group. It speaks volumes about our team to do that against the league champions.”

Goalkeeper Ronan Murphy (junior, Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) made five saves in his second consecutive start in place of the injured John Foster (senior, Lee’s Summit, Mo., North HS).

“He played tremendously well today,” Laidlaw said. “It’s a tough spot to fill in for a starter late in the season but he’s done well in that role.”

Graduating just one senior from Tuesday’s starting lineup, coach Garry Laidlaw says he’s excited about the years to come.

“We’ve really progressed this season,” he said. “We won four more games than last year, and we believe that we’re just getting started. We’re very optimistic about the future.”