Sept. 26, 2009

St. Mary's outscores Central, 4-1

OMAHA, NEB.—The Central College women’s soccer team trailed early and suffered a road loss Saturday afternoon, falling to the College of St. Mary (Neb.) 4-1.

The Dutch fell behind 2-0 at the intermission and conceded an early second-half score before freshman Steph Hasken (Davenport, West HS) put Central on the scoreboard with an unassisted goal in the 52nd minute, her first of the season.

“The ball was loose around their goal and Steph just outran the defender and goalie to put it in,” said coach Colin Kuchy.

Kuchy also cited the play of rookie goalkeeper Shelby Austin (freshman, Hayesville, Kan., Goddard HS) after recording a school-record 23 saves, topping the mark of Ashley Veigelt of 18 set Sept. 14, 2005.

“Shelby had a good day in goal, “said Kuchy. “She really led the defense.”

The loss drops the Dutch to 1-8 while St. Mary’s improved to 5-3-2.

“St. Mary’s played really well and we just couldn’t keep up today,” said Kuchy.

Central is still using a shuffled lineup with an injury keeping three-time letterwinner Jessi Steward (senior, Cedar Falls) sidelined. Kuchy is hopeful Steward can return for Thursday’s non-conference game at Millikin (Ill.).

The game is slated to be played at 4 p.m. in Decatur, Ill. It will mark the first match-up between the two programs. The Big Blue carry a 6-3 record into their match-up with Wis.-Oshkosh Sunday.