STORM LAKE— Two goals by the Central College men's soccer team in the first 15 minutes of Wednesday's match was all the offense it needed on the way to a 4-1 rout of Buena Vista University.
Forward Salvador Villanueva (junior, Morris, Ill.) struck first at the 11-minute mark before midfielder Andrew McMillan (senior, Dunlap, Ill.) recorded the first goal of his collegiate career four minutes later.
"That was a great finish off the corner by Sal," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "Andrew has been plugging at a goal for a long time. It was rewarding to see him finally get one."
Both Villanueva and McMillan's tallies were off assists from striker Miguel Pina (sophomore, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS), who now leads the team in assists (6) and points (26).
"That's what we love about Miguel, he's an unselfish player," Laidlaw said. "If there's a pass to be made, he's not afraid to play it in."
Forwards Bryce Leonard (junior, Williamsville, Ill.) and Ian Meentemeyer (freshman, Hartsburg, Mo., Southern Boone County HS) found the back of the net in the second half. Striker Aroni Niyikiza (sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Washington HS) assisted on Leonard's effort and Pina picked up a third assist on Meentemeyer's goal
Between the pipes, Josh Carpenter (senior, Chelsea, Ala.) picked up his 10th win of the season in 81 minutes of action. He came up big with four saves to limit the Beavers offense.
The win gives Central 12 points in the Iowa Conference standings and solidifies their spot in the conference tournament. A preseason coaches' poll had Central projected as one of three teams in the league that would not qualify.
"We've exceeded the external expectations of this year's team," Laidlaw said. "We've always had a belief that we could achieve our goal of getting in the tournament."
Central will face a stiff test Saturday afternoon as they head to Decorah to face Luther College. The Norse ranked No. 24 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.
"Luther's also a great soccer team," Laidlaw said. "We know that we're going to have to come with a plan and trust in our structure."
