Overpowering offense gives Dutch women victory in soccer opener
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA—As advertised, the Central College women’s soccer team put together an offensive clinic in a 4-0 victory to start the season against Maranatha Baptist University Friday night.
The onslaught for the Dutch (1-0) started early when Erin Manion (sophomore, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) found the back of the net four minutes in with an unassisted effort.
Manion added a second goal 15 minutes later with a header off a bicycle-kick assist from senior Felicia Roppe (Council Bluffs, Iowa, St. Albert HS). Manion tallied 10 shots on the day.
“Erin’s got a soccer mind and great ability,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “When you put her in front of the goal, she’s a true forward and she’ll find ways to score. Felicia really got our team going.”
Elise Askelsen (sophomore, Indianola) buried her first collegiate goal in the 71st minute off an Olivia Stoops (junior, Morton, Ill.) assist. Caitlyn Champ (junior, Kearney, Mo.) added the final tally at the 74-minute mark, taking an assist from Mikaela Erickson (sophomore, Spring Lake, Mich., Western Michigan Christian HS).
“I’m very happy to see Elise score,” Kobylinski said. “I think sometimes I can be a little difficult on her. I don’t try to be, but I see the talent and potential in her. She’s certainly a spark plug up there.
“Caitlyn did a phenomenal subbing in for us. I thought her, Mikaela, and Olivia were some of our best players today.”
In total, the Dutch fired off 59 shots with 18 being on frame. Fifteen different players of the 30 who participated attempted at least one.
“We’ve had different scorers and players recording assists all preseason,” Kobylinski said. “That’s the name of the game with this team.”
Kobylinski also credited his defensive backline and freshman goalkeeper Taylor Golt (Crystal Lake, Ill., Prairie Ridge HS), who picked up the win in her debut.
Central’s homestand to start the season continues Sunday afternoon with a 3 p.m. start against Monmouth College (Ill.)
