Blake Scot Nov. 3, 2007

Central falls in penalty-kick thriller

DUBUQUE—In a match with end-to-end entertainment, the Central College men’s soccer team fell in a shootout 5-3 to Wartburg College after the two teams battled to a 2-2 draw Friday in the Iowa Conference Tournament semifinals.          

 “That was one of the best games I have ever been a part of,” said head coach Garry Laidlaw. “It was an extremely fun and exciting game with a fantastic atmosphere.”

Despite all of the excitement, Central’s (14-4-3) season is likely to end as an at-large qualification into the NCAA tournament seems unlikely with the final determination being made Monday.

“I am extremely proud of our lads,” said Laidlaw. “It was a complete team effort all the way thoughout the squad. There were fantastic contributions from many, many players.” 

Before the shootout occurred, seemingly endless drama unfolded as the Dutch came back from a pair of one-goal deficits with the final equalizer coming with 59 seconds remaining.

After a scoreless first half, Wartburg midfielder Byung Yi scored directly off a free kick from approximately 20 yards out 64:27 into the match. 

The Dutch responded when forward Brett McKenzie (freshman, Lindenhurst, Ill.) scored with 21:37 remining in the game afer battli with a host of Wartburg defenders for a loose ball.

Central’s momentum was halted after Josh Palmer scored 9:10 later off an assist from Geoff Miller.

The Dutch responded by pulling multiple strategic tactics to create more offense that even included bringing goalkeeper Greg Foote (junior, Maple Grove, Minn.) up to attempt to score. 

Central’s efforts were rewarded when the Dutch received a penalty kick with less than 1 minute remaining after a Wartburg defender was whistled for a foul. Midfielder Clint Schreiber (junior, South Elgin, Ill.) converted the penalty kick which would eventually send the game to overtime.

The drama did not subside in the two overtime frames with Wartburg managing to hit the goalpost three times in a matter of seconds and later the Knights had a goal called back when the referee determined the goal-scorer was offsides. Central managed to also hit the post two times with defender Ben Heithoff (junior, Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln HS) hitting a rocket from approximately 35 yards that hit the crossbar. Heithoff’s shot ricocheted off the crossbar so hard it started a fast break for Wartburg that forced Foote to make a diving save.

Following the frantic pace of the overtime, the two teams were forced to go to a shootout to determine who would advance to the finals. However, the Dutch were not able to recreate the glory from Tuesday when they downed Dubuque in a shootout.

The statistics illustrated the even play of the match. Wartburg outshot Central 33-20, but the Dutch held a 12-10Jasopn Winslow shots on goal advantage.

The result could possibly end the careers of four seniors for the Dutch, but Laidlaw had high praises for his departing players. 

“Blake Scott (Norwalk) has been a lion throughout,” said Laidlaw. “He was all over the pitch tonight and did it with a smile on his face and that is what playing soccer at Central College is all about.”

“Jason Winslow (Loveland, Colo.) finished his career the way he started it and the way he played all four years, by running his socks off.,” he said. “Jason has been an inspirational player for the team.”

 “Tyman Wiley (Palo, Cedar Rapids Kennedy HS) is a first-class individual who has made significant contributions to the team over the years. We’d be happy to have 11 of him.”

The match was also played without senior forward Cody Stoermer (Coralville, Iowa City, West HS) who was serving a suspension following a red card against Dubuque.

“It’s unfortunate that Cody was not able to be a part of this game but it should not diminish what has otherwise been a top-notch career,” said Laidlaw.

“Despite the losses of these great seniors, we have a lot to look forward to in the future,” said Laidlaw. “We have a solid, young nucleus.”