PELLA — Unable to conjure up much offense in the first half, the Central College men's soccer team was taken down 3-1 by Illinois Wesleyan University of Friday night.

The Dutch (2-4-0) had won two straight games after starting the season 0-3.

"This was a great exercise for us today," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "We never like to lose a game. At the same time, we played a very good side today. They're a veteran team and I think they showed their experience today."

The Titans (4-1-0) built up a 2-1 halftime lead, and added an insurance goal in the 59^th minute to beat the Dutch.

"We did not get going in the first half," Laidlaw said. "We got some opportunities later, but overall, we were just not good enough in the first half. We've got to be more consistent in the first half than we were today."

"I was really disappointed in the third goal. I think at 2-1, we had a chance to get something from that game in the last 10 minutes. That goal really hurt us"
Miguel Pina (senior, forward, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) gave Central an equalizing goal after falling behind 1-0 in the first half. His unassisted scoring effort came in the 32nd minute.

"It's nice to see him getting on the scoresheet again," Laidlaw said. "He's doing his job right now, we've got to give him a little bit more support. We just didn't quite do that today."
Pina had three shot attempts and Tony Cervelli (freshman, midfielder, Plainfield, Ill., South HS) had two.

A quick turnaround awaits the Dutch tomorrow as the squad heads to Galesburg, Illinois for a 4 p.m. match against Knox College. The Prairie Fire (3-2-1) have shut out there last three opponents.

"It will be a totally different style of team that we are playing, yet still very effective," Laidlaw said. "We knew all along that this weekend was going to be a really tough back-to-back. For us, it's all about preparing for conference play. We want the challenge, we know it's going to be good for us."