header Sept. 13, 2008

Central erupts for 5-0 win

PELLA—The drought ended for the Central College men’s soccer team Saturday as both precipitation and goals were plentiful in a 5-0 victory over Monmouth College (Ill.).

The Dutch were held scoreless in their last two games and had recorded just two goals in their four previous outings. But playing on a field drenched with 4 inches of rain in the previous 24 hours, Central produced a four-goal first-half outburst and coasted to the non-conference win, evening its season record at 3-3.

“I was really pleased we were able to finish,” coach Garry Laidlaw said. “You can practice it as much as you want but nothing replaces the ability to do it in a game situation. It was nice we could do that. It really lifted the spirits of the guys.”

Midfielder Nick DeLucia (sophomore, Urbana, Ill.) found the net twice in a Jonathan Schroeder dribble1:09 span to put Central up 2-0 in the 22nd minute. He was assisted by midfielder Kenny Kranz (freshman, Champaign, Ill., Centennial HS) and midfielder Cruz Herr (senior, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS). DeLucia has three goals for the year.

Forward Brett McKenzie (sophomore, Lindenhurst, Ill., Antioch HS) notched his third goal in the 35th minute with an assist from midfielder Jonathan Schroeder (freshman, St. Charles, Ill., North HS). Three minutes later midfielder Derek Farnworth (sophomore, Mooresville, Ind.) added his first goal with an assist from defender Scott Erie (senior, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS).

Four minutes into the second half, midfielder Cody Jandik (sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley Christian HS) scored on DeLucia’s assist.

Goalkeepers Greg Foote (senior, Maple Grove, Minn.), Quincy Garner (sophomore, Pella) and Jonathan Glassman (freshman, Lakeville, Minn., North HS) combined on the shutout although the Dutch defense ensured their afternoon wasn’t taxing. Central outshot the Scots 31-3. Monmouth (1-3) goalkeeper Owen Robinson recorded 15 saves.

Kenny Kranz header“It was good to get the clean sheet,” Laidlaw said. “We talked about that at halftime. That was one of our goals. A team builds confidence at both ends of the pitch.”

Laidlaw said the Dutch did more than score goals.

“More importantly, we did some things we haven’t been doing,” he said. “We had a lot more third-man runs and I thought our box organization made a difference today.”

The Dutch were also able to empty the bench.

“We got to play the whole squad,” Laidlaw said. “It was good to see what they’re able to do.”

Laidlaw was also impressed with how well the saturated Central field came through a women’s-men’s doubleheader.
           
“It held up really well,” he said. “We’ve got a tremendous facility.”

Central is enduring a demanding non-conference schedule that includes a couple of stiff road tests this week. The Dutch are at Rock Island, Ill. to meet Augustana (Ill.) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. before traveling to take on nationally ranked Wis.-Oshkosh next Saturday. Central edged Augustana at Pella last year 2-1 for its first victory over the Vikings in four tries. The Dutch have not previously met Wis.-Oshkosh.

“We have two very good challenges next week,” Laidlaw said. “Both games are on (artificial) turf, so that will be a little change of pace for us. The guys are looking forward to (the games). It’s all about getting ready for the conference season.”