Scoreless soccer draw for Dutch women against Dubuque
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — There were several close calls for the Central College women’s soccer team Wednesday, but no goals were to be had in a scoreless draw against the University of Dubuque.
The tie gives the Dutch (11-2-1, 2-1-1 IIAC) seven points in league play while the Spartans (6-4-3, 2-1-2 IIAC) second tie of the conference season moves them to eight. Central is unbeaten at home in its last 16 contests.
“I thought there were moments in the game where we could have won,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “I thought we created more chances but they are a very good side this year. They have a solid backline and keeper. We struggled to break them down.”
The Dutch had their own freshman keeper secure a shutout as Taylor Golt (Crystal Lake, Ill., Prairie Ridge HS) picked up two saves.
“Taylor’s done well this year for us,” Kobylinski said. “As a freshman she’s been challenged but she’s made saves and came up big in these conference games.”
Offensively, Central fired off 18 shots, including three put on goal by midfielder Kallie Holte (senior, Kirksville, Mo.) and two from forward Erin Manion (sophomore, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS).
“We struggled to find the last ball in,” Kobylinski said. “That was a bit frustrating because we worked on that in training.
Kobylinski was pleased with the play of his midfielders, citing Olivia Denham (junior, Bondurant, Bondurant-Farrar HS) and Lauren Vahlkamp (junior, Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS) offensively and Kalee Findlay (Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) defensively.
“Lauren and Olivia took some pressure off the center with their play on the outside flank,” he said. “Kalee locked up the middle. She had a wonderful second half and overtime periods.”
Nebraska Wesleyan University is the next team on the docket for Central as the Dutch venture to Lincoln Saturday at 5 p.m.
“They are a good team,” Kobylinski said. “They played really against Coe. We’ll have to be ready to go and see if we can come home with 3 points.”
