PELLA — After being held to two goals in its first three games, the Central College men's soccer team broke out for three second-half goals in a 3-0 win against Saint Mary's University (Minn.) on Saturday afternoon.
           
It was the first win for the Dutch (1-3-0) and the first loss for the Cardinals (3-1-0). The game was played at Pella High School's field due to wet field conditions on Central's campus.
           
A scoreless first half draw was broken when defender Logan Serbousek (sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Prairie HS) scored on a rebound following a Miguel Pina (forward, senior, Chicago, Ill., Taft HS) free kick.
           
"What a difference a goal makes," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "It's nice to play with the lead." "That's the type of player Logan is. He's scrappy and the first one to the ball. It's great to see him rewarded for all the hard work he does at the other end of the pitch."
           
Freshman midfielders Tony Cervelli (Plainfield, Ill., South HS) and Nathan Casas (Cottage Grove, Minn., East Ridge HS) quickly followed with their first career goals to break the game open.
           
"I think Tony changed the game for us today," Laidlaw said. "He brought us instant energy and gives us a great option up top. His work rate and commitment are fantastic."
           
"Nathan is a talent. We got to see that a little bit today, I thought he took his goal brilliantly."
           
Salvador Salado-Herrera (sophomore, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Park Center HS) played the full 90 minutes in goal, earning a shutout in his first win of the season.
           
"I'm really happy for him and the whole team that we got a clean sheet," Laidlaw said. "We made some improvements defensively and I think it really showed today."
           
Central is slated for a trip to Monmouth College (Ill.) Tuesday at 5 p.m.
           
"I think today was a springboard," Laidlaw said. "Hopefully this will get us back on track and us on a run."