PELLA — On a windy day at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex, defender Brant Mueller (junior, Bettendorf) found the back of the net to make the Central College men's soccer team a 1-0 winner against Nebraska Wesleyan University.
           
It was the fourth career goal for Mueller, putting his left foot into a loose ball at the top of the box in the 56th minute.
           
"Brant turned and finished it really well," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "He is a team player who just wants to win. Sometimes, he wills us to victory and I thought today was one of those days.
           
Central (2-2-1, 2-2-1 American Rivers Conference) picks up its second win after two losses and a tie in its last three fixtures. Several players are still missing with injuries and several more are playing through nagging injuries.
           
"We've had to make a lot of changes in the last couple of days," Laidlaw said. "We got some good performances from players who took advantage of the opportunity to play."
           
Playing 46 minutes in his first varsity appearance, defender Matthew Neuhalfen (freshman, Glenwood) drew positive reviews from his coach.
           
"He was fantastic in the back for us," Laidlaw said. "He had a few vital interceptions in the match and has shown us we have another option in the back."
           
Solomon Mamola (freshman, midfielder, Urbandale) was another freshman who Laidlaw cited after the match.
           
"He really settled the game down in the first half," Laidlaw said. "He played some nice passes and had good movement in the middle."
           
Goalkeeper John Foster (freshman, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) earned his second win, making one save.
           
The Dutch play at Wartburg College Saturday at 3:30 p.m.