PELLA — The back of the net was elusive for the Central College men's soccer team in a 1-0 home defeat against Augsburg University (Minn.) on Monday afternoon.
           
The Auggies (4-0-0) tallied the game's only goal in the 70th minute to earn the victory over the Dutch (1-2-0).
           
"I thought the difference in today's game was Augsburg being a bit more calm and composed when they needed to be," Laidlaw said. "We weren't as calm and composed as we needed to be at both ends of the pitch."
           
Central outshot Augsburg 11-8 in the game and eight of those shots went on frame and forced eight saves by the Auggie keeper. Cole Manuel (freshman, midfielder, Erie, Colo.) led the way with three shots on goal.
           
"Cole's been somewhat of a pleasant surprise for us," Laidlaw said. "We knew he could paly but we always wonder which players are going to come in ready early.  From day one, Cole has stamped his impact in the practices and in the matches and he's been reward with playing time."
           
Central is on the road at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Central four days off from matches after playing three in five days.
             
"We definitely need some rest," Laidlaw said. We've got some guys on the latter end of preseason soreness still. I think all of the matches in the last week had an effect on both teams."