Erik Lundgren header Sept. 7, 2008

Early mistakes costly for Dutch

TACOMA, WASH.—Central College surrendered an own goal just 11 seconds into the game and never recovered as Pacific Lutheran (Wash.) escaped with a 2-0 non-conference victory Sunday.

Goalkeeper Greg Foote (senior, Maple Grove, Minn.) was attempting to clear out a back pass from a teammate when the ball slipped through under his foot. Pacific Lutheran’s other goal came with 13:36 left in the first half when it was ruled that Surafel Worku’s shot rolled just past the line before it was cleared by a Dutch defender.

Coach Garry Laidlaw said the Dutch were affected by the early miscue.

“I’ve seen it happen at every level,” he said. “The challenge is, ‘Do we move on or dwell on it?’

“Unfortunately, for about 10 minutes we dwelled on it. But after that, I thought we responded well. We pressed and pushed and threw a lot at them. We were the better team for the balance of the game. Even their coach told me that afterwards. But give credit to Pacific Lutheran. It is a good team and when you play teams at that level like we’re doing this year, it’s tough to battle back from those kind of mistakes.”

Foote split time with Quincy Garner (sophomore, Pella) who made five saves in the second half. Central outshot the Lutes 17-13 but Pacific Lutheran held a 6-3 corner kick advantage.

Laidlaw said Central continues to operate a bit shorthanded because of injuries. The Dutch lost a couple of additional players Sunday.

“We’re banged up and nicked up but we’ve got to get healthy by Wednesday,” he said.

Central returns to Iowa but remains on the road Wednesday, traveling to Grinnell College for a 5 p.m. game. The Dutch were 1-0 winners over Grinnell at home last season. The Pioneers took a 1-1 record into a Sunday game at the University of Dubuque.