Hot start holds up for Central men’s soccer victory
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — In a remarkably rapid start, the Central College men’s soccer team put three goals away in the first six minutes and held on to that lead for a 3-0 victory over Westminster College (Mo.) Tuesday afternoon.
It took all of 87 seconds for the Dutch (3-5-0) to score their first two goals against the Blue Jays (1-5-0). Zach Worster (freshman, midfielder, Saint Peters, Mo., St. Dominic HS) put the opening volley away on a Kiel Pederson (senior, midfielder, Arlington Heights, Ill., John Hersey HS) cross just 25 seconds into the match. Miguel Pina (senior, forward Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) then found a loose ball off of a corner kick to make it 2-0 at the 1:27 mark.
“We took a real step forward on the attacking end,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “We certainly got off to a blistering start today. We executed and finished our chances. It makes all the difference in the world when you can do that.”
Pina added another goal at the 6:02 mark, taking an assist from Worster.
“You can see Zach is making great strides every game,” Laidlaw said. “I think Zach has a really bright future for us and I thought he showed us some of that today.”
“Miguel is often challenged by opponents. They know he is coming, but he can find a way to get it done. Not only did he create and score himself, he was creating space and moving well for others.”
The Dutch defense was able to help secure a second shutout for goalkeeper Salvador Salado-Herrera (sophomore, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Park Center HS). The Blue Jays attempted 10 shots, but did not put any on goal.
“A good keeper organizes a good group in front of him,” Laidlaw said. “He certainly deserves some credit for the shutout and I think he’d be the first to give credit to the players in front of him, too.”
Central will open up American Rivers Conference play on Saturday by hosting Simpson College (3-2-1, 0-0-0 conference) at 3 p.m.
“We’ve had some really good games with them over the last few years,” Laidlaw said. “We expect to be the same this year. We’re really looking forward to getting the conference season started.”
