Central College Athletics - Women's soccer

PELLA—What is rapidly becoming a storybook season for the Central women's soccer team added another thrilling chapter Tuesday. 

Kristi Klatt's (senior, forward, Cedar Falls) goal in the 89th minute gave the Dutch a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Northwestern (Iowa) as Central improved to 7-2. That's more wins the squad had in the last three years combined. 

Klatt, who missed the entire 2010 season because of injury, has now scored five goals in 2011. She recorded the game-winning goal off an assist from Brittany Hinton (Davenport, West HS).

“We’ve been talking all season that it’s just a pass into the back of the goal,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “That’s exactly what Kristi did. Brittany was isolated with the ball and sent it across to Kristi after a run through the middle, and Kristi just passed it into the back of the net.”

Klatt had the chance to score the go-ahead goal off a penalty kick in the 62nd minute, but was denied by Northwestern’s goalkeeper.

“That’s also something we talk a lot about,” Kobylinski said. “Staying strong mentally and moving on to the next play. Kristi did a great job and I’m very happy for her.”

Hinton notched the tying goal in the 17th minute, connecting on an assist from Alayna Bailey (sophomore, Des Moines, Hoover HS). Hinton has scored three goals and tallied four assists in her rookie season.

“Every time Brittany had the ball she was dangerous,” Kobylinski said. “We’re glad she’s wearing a Central uniform. She’s a difference-maker.”

Northwestern (2-3-1) posted its lone goal in the 15th minute and outshot Central 21-14. The Dutch held off a late Red Raider attack one player down, losing a player charged with two yellow cards in the last five minutes.

“They had size, strength and could hit the ball a ton,” Kobylinski said. “We didn’t have two of our better halves of soccer today but we still found a way to win. When we do put two halves together, it’ll be something really special.”

Goalkeeper Steph Hasken (junior, Davenport, West HS) had six saves in 90 minutes in her sixth season win.

Kobylinski highlighted the play of midfielders Hannah Davy (sophomore, Cottage Grove, Minn., Park HS) and Gabbi Muse (freshman, Waukee).

“Hannah had her best game all year and did absolutely brilliant,” Kobylinski said. “Gabbi also had a phenomenal day. She’s a workhorse in the middle and does whatever we ask of her.”

Central has a tall order Saturday, tackling No. 10 Wartburg College in its Iowa Conference opener at 1 p.m. Saturday at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex soccer field.

The Knights are 4-0-1 going into a matchup Wednesday night against Macalester (Minn.). Wartburg holds a 10-7-3 advantage over Central in the all-time series.

“We have a confident 7-2 squad that will be ready to go,” Kobylinski said.