ALMA, MICH. — A 0-0 tie was broken with a goal in the 85th minute by Alma College, sending the Central College men's soccer team to a 1-0 loss Saturday.

Statistically, the Dutch (0-1) outplayed the Scots (2-0) in nearly every category. Central led the shot advantage 19-9, and held 12-5 margin in shots on goal. The Scots were held without a corner kick, while the Dutch had 10 such opportunities.

"I'm happy with our performance, but obviously disappointed with the result." Coach Garry Laidlaw said.

Despite the tough loss, Laidlaw took notice of the strong defensive effort by the Dutch.

"We played within our structure," he said. "We've got some units that are really working well together. All those things are making us more cohesive."

Taking advantage of its depth, Central used 22 players including seven newcomers in the match. Ian Meentemeyer (freshman, Hartsburg, Mo., Southern Boone County HS) was the lone freshman to earn a start.

"We seemed to wear them down," Laidlaw said. "The overall depth that we used today really started to pay off for us and took a toll on them."

Salvador Vilanueva (junior, Morris, Ill.) set the pace offensively with three shots on goal. Meentemeyer and Miguel Pina (sophomore, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) had two apiece.

"We had chances," Laidlaw said. "Their keeper made some point-blank saves that really kept them in the game."

With another game on the docket for Sunday at Olivet College (Mich.), Laidlaw hopes his team can use the loss as a valuable learning experience.

"At the end of the day we learned a tough lesson," he said. "In this sport, where there is a lot of one-goal games, one breakdown can be the difference between winning and losing."