DUBUQUE — A late equalizer by forward
Grace Coates (sophomore, forward, Marion) gave the Central College women's soccer team a 1-1 road draw in its American Rivers Conference opener at the University of Dubuque Saturday.
Central (6-2-2) yielded a goal in the 79th minute to fall behind 1-0 before Coates found the back of the net for third time this season in the 83rd minute.
"Dubuque scored off a set piece," coach
Mike Kobylinski said. "We countered four minutes later.
Esther Hughes (freshman, forward, Kalona, Hillcrest Academy) played a great ball and Grace did what she does best."
The draw gives Central a point in the American Rivers Conference standings.
"A point on the road at Dubuque is not easy to come by," Kobylinski said. "They've bee a tough team to beat this year so I'm happy with the result, especially coming from behind."
The Spartans goal ended Central's shutout streak but Kobylinski is still excited about his team's defensive effort, especially from defenders
Sydney Tu (sophomore, West Des Moines, Valley HS),
Alyssa Knuth (senior, Benton Harbor, Mich., St. Joseph HS),
Bridget Lynch (senior, Northglenn, Colo., Jefferson Academy) and defensive midfielder
Bailey Huzienga (freshman, Colona, Ill., Geneseo HS). Goalkeeper
Sheila Horstmann (senior, West Des Moines, Valley HS) made four saves.
"Those our were phenomenal," Kobylinski said. "Sheila made some really nice saves and keeps putting together games for us and I couldn't be happier for her."
The Dutch ran their unbeaten streak to six.
"This team fights and battles until the final whistle which as a coaching staff is very pleasing to see," Kobylinski said. "They just continue to put their best foot forward as a team and group of committed players."
Central travels to No. 7 Wartburg College for a 5 p.m. match Wednesday.
"It's going to be a tough match," Kobylinski said. "We're going to give them 90 minutes of whatever we can and see what happens."
