PLATTEVILLE, WIS. — The Central College men's soccer team faced off with a physical side from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville Saturday, falling 3-1.
           
Central (1-3-0) and its youthful roster were not able to keep pace with the Pioneers (2-2-0).
           
"Today's match showed we are still a work in progress as we experience some growing pains," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "We knew that for most of our new players we were going to face a side which plays a completely different style than anything we've seen yet this season. It is also one which we will see again which makes it a worthwhile experience.
           
"We simply allowed them to dictate the terms for the most part today."
           
Central got its lone goal in the 85th minute from Brant Mueller (senior, forward, Bettendorf), his third goal in four games.
           
"Brant continues to be productive up front," Laidlaw said. "He got a great ball from Tristin Gilles (senior, forward, Hudson).
           
"We love the way we finished the game. It leaves us feeling optimistic about our future.
           
Laidlaw also noted the return of midfielder Jake Dzarnowsi (senior, midfielder, Wheaton, Ill., North HS), who started for most of his first three seasons and has missed the first three games of the year with an injury.
           
"It's great to see Jake get back into the mix while he works his way back into match fitness," he said.
           
The Dutch host Carleton College (Minn.) next Sunday, September 19 at 4 p.m.