Heartbreak hits the Central men’s soccer team again

Central Dutch Athletics

DECORAH — A valiant effort by the Central College men’s soccer team on the road at Luther College wasn’t enough as a late comeback by the Norse handed the Dutch a 3-2 loss.

For the third time in a conference match this season, the game-winning goal was scored on a penalty kick. In all four of the league losses for the Dutch (10-5-0, 3-4-0 conference), they have lost by just one goal. Luther moves to 10-4-3 overall and 6-1-0 in league play.

“It’s hard to wrap our minds around losing another conference game on a penalty kick,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “I’ve never experienced a season quite like this where we have do so many things rights and been so close to winning.”

Despite the loss, Laidlaw was impressed with his team’s performance.

“I was absolutely delighted with the effort and for the most part the execution of the game plan,” Laidlaw said. “I thought we played an excellent team and took them out of their game. “

After a scoreless first half, midfielder Kiel Pederson’s (junior, Arlington Heights, Ill., John Hersey HS) unassisted goal at 47:25 broke the tie.

“He got himself into a good position and the ball bounced his way,” Laidlaw said. “He drilled it in and it was a super finish on his part”

Goalkeeper Salvador Salado-Herrera (freshman, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Park Center HS) had another outstanding outing in his rookie season with seven saves. Striker Miguel Pina (junior, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) had his 10th goal of the year on a penalty kick in the second half.

The Dutch will have one last chance to earn the points they need to clinch one of six spots in the league tournament when they host Loras College (9-5, 4-2 conference) Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.

“You hate to be at the point where you need other results but that’s where we are,” Laidlaw said. “We’ll need help elsewhere in the league. If we have an opportunity to take a spot with a win, we’re going to try and take it.”