Shocking loss suffered by Central women’s soccer squad

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA—Falling in a two-score hole early, the Central College women’s soccer could not climb out in a 4-1 loss to Nebraska Wesleyan University Saturday afternoon.

The Prairie Wolves (7-7-0, 1-5-0 conference) earned their first American Rivers Conference win of the season over the Dutch (9-4-1, 3-2-0 conference).

“We need to take a look at ourselves, coaches included, on how we can rebound as ironically we felt we had a few good practice sessions this week,” coach Mike Kobylinski said.

It took all of 12 minutes for Nebraska Wesleyan to stake a 2-0 lead.

“They finished their opportunities early in the contest, which put us under and forced us to push a little bit,” Kobylinski said. “They are a good team who finished their chances.

After two more goals by the Prairie Wolves in the second half, Central defender Cate Christopherson (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., North HS) finally punched in a goal. Midfielder Elise Askelsen (junior, Indianola) had the assist.

“I felt Sydney Canney (freshman, Adel, ADM HS) and Bridget Poster (freshman, Davenport, Assumption HS) did well in the back. Baylee Kivett (junior, Grinnell) gave us good minutes and Cate and Elise had better second halves.

Central outshot its opponents 19-10 and had seven corner kicks to their two.

“Statistically, we created a lot of chances and corners once again, but we have to more clinical with those chances and better at decision making,” Kobylinski said.

A trip to Storm Lake to face Buena Vista University awaits the Dutch on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

“We will look to regroup as a team after this loss and be better for Buena Vista.”