Short-handed Central women’s soccer side loses to Wartburg
PELLA — Limiting No. 16 Wartburg College to a pair of goals, the Central College women’s soccer team put the pressure on despite missing four starters in a 2-0 loss Saturday.
The Knights (12-1-1, 5-0-0 American Rivers Conference) came into the match averaging over three goals per match but the Central defense held them in check for most of the 90 minute affair.
“In the first half, they took it to us,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “In the second half, we had large portions of the match. Statistically, it was pretty even in that half. To do that down six players and four starters, it was a super gritty performance.”
The quartet of Bridget Lynch (junior, defender, Jefferson, Colo., Northglenn Academy), Grace Coates (freshman, forward, Marion), Abby Frey (sophomore, midfielder, Mesa, Ariz., Desert Ridge HS) and Maddi Fisher (sophomore, defender, Marion, Linn-Mar HS) have started most of the matches this season but were unavailable due to injury. In total the players responsible for 14 of Central’s 28 goals this season were not active.
“We never want to be happy with a loss, but being realistic of where we were at, I was pleased with the effort we put forth,” Kobylinski said. “It takes nothing away from the players that did play for us today. They did a masterful job given the circumstances. As a coaching staff, sometimes that’s all you can ask and they responded to the bell.”
Kaitlyn Isom (sophomore, Phoenix, Ariz., Horizon Honors Academy) led the team with three shot attempts, putting two on frame in the second half. Jasmyn Bush (sophomore, La Porte City, Union HS) made seven saves in goal.
Central travels to Coe College for a 5 p.m. match Wednesday night.
“We’re a young team,” Kobylinski said. “We show it at times, but because we are so young we have a short memory. I think we’ll be amped and ready to go for Coe. Hopefully we’ll get one or two players back.”
