Alexandra Kleis pass Oct. 15, 2008

Central comes back for 2 OT victory

CEDAR RAPIDS—Central College forward Kristi Klatt (sophomore, Cedar Falls) took advantage of an open net on a breakaway to score the winner in a 2-1 double-overtime women’s soccer triumph at Coe College Wednesday.    

It was a comeback victory for the Dutch (3-11, 2-3 Iowa Conference), who kept their conference tournament berth hopes alive after trailing most of the second half.

Coe (3-10 overall, 0-4 conference) took the lead on Kristen Carpenter’s goal in the 55th minute. But with just 3:05 remaining, Klatt’s shot was bobbled by the Coe goaltender and sophomore defender Katherine Mills (Redfield, Panorama HS) punched home the rebound to force the overtime. It was her third goal of the season.

“We had a really good effort at the tail end of regulation and it paid off,” said coach Colin Kuchy. “Kristi had a good shot and Katherine was in the right spot to put it in.”

With time winding down in the second overtime, Klatt ran down an over-the-top ball from midfielder Sarah Frese (senior, Marshalltown). As the Coe goalkeeper came out she collided with a Kohawk defender, giving Klatt the open look for her fourth goal.

“I was very happy with how we played,” Kuchy said. “We played great from the start. We gave up a goal but we didn’t quit. We had a couple of good opportunities and we finished.”

Central was outshot 14-12 and goalkeeper Abby Norman (freshman, Geneseo, Ill.) had eight saves.

Central plays host to Simpson College in a men’s-women’s league doubleheader Saturday. The men’s game starts at 1 p.m. at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field with the women kicking off at 3 p.m. Simpson is 3-2-1 in conference play and 7-5-1 overall after winning at Cornell College Tuesday 4-1. Simpson and Central played to a 1-1 draw last season.