Offensive outburst secures Central women’s soccer victory

Central Dutch Athletics

MONMOUTH, ILL. — Breaking open a 1-1 tie with three goals in a fifteen-minute span in the second half, the Central College women’s soccer team won 4-1 over Monmouth College Wednesday.

The Dutch (7-2-1, 1-0-0 American Rivers Conference) were victorious over the Fighting Scots (5-4-0) in their final non-conference match of the season.

“I thought Monmouth was a good side,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “In the second half we made some adjustments. This team listened like they always do and came out firing in the second half.”

In the second half, senior midfielder Olivia Stoops (Morton, Ill.) started the offensive effort with an unassisted goal at 63:28 to make the score 2-1.

“We asked our team to shoot more on frame,” Kobylinski said. “Olivia did that and was rewarded with a beautiful goal.”

Not even seven minutes later, Erin Manion (forward, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) offered a corner kick into the box and defender Cate Christopherson (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., North HS) got her head on it for a 3-1 lead.

“Cate is a set-piece specialist,” Kobylinski said. “She can move up on corner kicks and she really has a knack for finding the ball.”

Manion got her second assist of the night on a goal from Olivia Denham (senior, midfielder, Bondurant, Bondurant-Farrar HS). Manion also got her ninth goal of the season in the first half.

“Erin really spearheaded the offense which is great to see out of her,” Kobylinski said. “She really showed her presence today.”

A major American Rivers Conference road contests awaits the Dutch on Saturday in Waverly. Central will face Wartburg College at 3 p.m.

“They are going to be tough,” Kobylinski said. “They are one of the best teams in the region but we think we are, too.”