Manion’s goals carry Central women’s soccer team at Wartburg

Central Dutch Athletics

WAVERLY—Forward Erin Manion (junior, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) scored twice and for the first time since 2006, the Central College women’s soccer team came away from Waverly a winner Saturday with a 2-1 decision over Wartburg College.

Central (8-2-1 overall, 2-0 American Rivers Conference) had to weather a late Wartburg onslaught.

“It was a real good win, a nice team win,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “We played really well.”

The Dutch broke on top in the 10th minute with Manion’s goal assisted by midfielder Olivia Stoops (senior, Morton, Ill.). Manion added her team-high 11th goal in the 68th minute. But Wartburg (7-4 overall, 1-1 conference) scored on a penalty kick with 6:41 left in the match to make for an anxious finish.

“After Erin’s goal it was kind of a back-and-forth match,” Kobylinski said. “It was a very competitive match.”

Central’s Taylor Golt (sophomore, Crystal Lake, Ill., Prairie Ridge HS) sparkled in goal, making nine saves as the Dutch were outshot, 20-13.

“It was Taylor’s best game of the year,” Kobylinski said. “She just controlled the box. She communicated well, had good goal kicks and punts and all the things that (assistant coach Russ) Goodman has been working with her on, she executed.”

Central takes on Coe College Wednesday in a league women’s-men’s doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m. at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field. The Kohawks were off Saturday and are 7-3-1 overall with a 0-1 conference record. Last year Central escaped Coe with a 1-0 win at Cedar Rapids. The Dutch lead the teams’ all-time series, 12-8-2.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” Kobylinski said. “Coe will be very solid. They’re very well-coached.”