Dutch men win soccer road opener

FULTON, MISSOURI — Shutting an opponent on the road for the fist time since October of 2021, the Central College men’s soccer team won 2-0 at Westminster College (Mo.) Saturday night.

Central (1-0-0) has opened back-to-back seasons with wins against the Blue Jays (0-1-0).

“I’m excited for the team,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “I thought we were excellent in the first half. In the second half we got a little bit ragged there and they made a push against us.”

Central found the back of the net for the first time in the 25th minute as Zach Holtan (freshman, Ames, Gilbert HS) scored in his collegiate debut. He took the assist from Solomon Mamola (senior, Urbandale).

“I thought it was crafted well,” Laidlaw said. “They combined well to get into that space. I think it’s always important for forwards to score goals and especially if they can get one early.”

In the 55th minute, forward Joe Brown (junior, Norwalk) made it 2-0.

“What an absolutely brilliant finish by Joe,” Laidlaw said. “He just turned and rifled it into the upper side of the net. Strikers need goals to continue to build their confidence, so I was happy to see him get one.”

Goalkeeper John Foster (senior, Lee’s Summit, Mo., North HS) recorded his ninth-career shutout, making one save.

Central’s trip continues Monday at Greenville College (Ill.) with a 1 p.m. match. The team has the day off in St. Louis Sunday.

“We’re going to enjoy the sights tomorrow and get away from the game,” Laidlaw said. “We’ll refocus and go out again on Monday.”