First conference loss for Dutch women’s soccer team

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — An early goal for the University of Dubuque was enough to hold off the Central College women’s soccer team in a 1-0 defeat for the Dutch Tuesday night.

The Spartans (10-2-1, 3-1-1 conference) scored in the 14th minute and the Dutch (9-3-1, 3-1-0 conference were unable to find an equalizer.

“Dubuque was a good team,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “I thought it was even match, they just scored one more goal than us.”

Statistically, the two teams were nearly equally as both had 13 shots and eight shots on goal. The Dutch were unable to take advantage of their only statistically advantage, attempting 10 corner kicks against just one for Dubuque.

“I was disappointed we couldn’t capitalize on a corner kick,” Kobylinski said. “I tasked the team with getting more corners today and they did, so credit to them for that.”

Of Central’s eight shots on goal, defender Cate Christopherson (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., North HS), forward Erin Manion (junior, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS), midfielder Anna Tillo (freshman, West Burlington, Notre Dame HS) each had two.

“We couldn’t get that elusive goal,” Kobylinski said. “Their keeper had a really nice save against Manion in the second half. Cate had a really good game in the back.”

Kobylinski also cited midfielder Lauryn Kramer (senior, Cedar Falls) for her effort off the bench.

“Lauryn did a good job winning some head balls in the middle of field,” he said.

Now halfway through the American Rivers Conference schedule, the Dutch will host Nebraska Wesleyan University Saturday at 1 p.m.

“It’s been tough with the weather, but hopefully we’ll get some training sessions in this week,” Kobylinski said. “It’s going to be a very hard match so it will be nice to get on the training field and prep a little for them.”