PELLA— A valiant effort by the still depleted Central College men's soccer team resulted in a 2-0 loss against the University of Dubuque Saturday.
           
Central (3-10-1, 1-5-1 American Rivers Conference) hosted Dubuque (12-3-1 8-0-0 conference), who entered having already sealed the American Rivers Conference title, in the regular season finale for the Spartans.
           
"For them to have the title wrapped before the last game in their league says a lot about what they've done this year," Laidlaw said. "I think they're a terrific team"
           
The Dutch, who remain without eight varsity players, including four-year starter Brant Mueller (senior, defender, Bettendorf), left it all on the pitch.
           
"I'm really proud of our guys for the resiliency they have shown through the year," "We've just never quite been able to overcome the multitude of players we've lost in the shuffle."
           
Goalkeeper John Foster (sophomore, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) had 10 saves.
           
"John was fantastic today," Laidlaw said. "I thought he kept us in the game for large periods of time. He gave us a fighting chance."
           
Mueller and six other Dutch seniors were recognized in a Senior Day ceremony before the match. Tristin Gilles (forward, Hudson), Jake Dzarnowski (midfielder, Wheaton, Ill., North HS), Zach Worster (midfielder, O'Fallon, Mo., St. Dominic HS), Joey Parker (midfielder, Bettendorf), Mitchel Laihinen (senior, Rosemount, Minn.) and Tony Cervelli (forward, Plainfield, Ill., South HS) were also honored.
           
"They've seen the highest of highs with our program," Laidlaw said. "It's obviously been a challenging year this year, but in the overall scheme of things, they've been a joy to have as part of the team."
           
Central hosts Buena Vista University in the final match of the season at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.