Slow start defeats Central men’s soccer squad

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — A poor first half was too much for the Central College men’s soccer team to overcome as the Dutch were defeated 3-2 by Simpson College on Saturday afternoon.

Central (3-6-0, 0-1-0 conference) struggled early in the contest, giving up two goals to the Storm (5-2-1, 1-0-0 conference) in the final five minutes of the opening half.

“Today, we weren’t good enough in the first 45 minutes,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “They were the better team in the first half, winning 50-50 balls and beating us to the ball. I think we played into their style in the first half, which is probably the most disappointing aspect.”

“I’m so proud of the way the guys fought in the second half. Our attitude was better and I thought we were more aggressive. We took the game to them and were rewarded with a couple of goals.”

Defender Taylor Petkovich (junior, Littleton, Colo., Heritage HS) put Central on the score board in the 66th minute.

“Miguel Pina (senior, forward, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) dragged it back for Taylor and he knocked it in,” Laidlaw said. “We pushed Taylor up front. We’re not getting enough goals from our No. 9 spot so we’re trying to find some other guys who are able to put the ball in the net. Taylor did that today and a good day.”

Landon Daniels (junior, Webster City) tied the game at 2-2 on a penalty kick at the 79:45 mark, but a Storm goal 19 seconds later put Simpson ahead for good.

He attempted no shots, but midfielder Daniel Alanis (senior, Phoenix, Ariz., Apollo HS) was a key figure for the Dutch according to Laidlaw.

“Daniel was our best player by far today,” Laidlaw said. “I thought he was excellent, especially in the second half when we had a bit more possession. He was good on the ball and opened the game up for other players.”

The scheduled match against Olivet College (Mich.) for Sunday was cancelled, meaning the Dutch won’t play again until next Saturday at Wartburg College at 5:30 p.m.