PELLA — Three goals in the first half propelled the Central College men's soccer team to a 3-0 win against Coe College Saturday afternoon.
           
The Dutch (2-10-1, 1-1-1) struck first in the third minute, as a Joe Brown (sophomore, midfielder, Norwalk) throw-in went off the head of Trysten Vasquez (freshman, defender, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) and found the foot of Kosuke Takahashi (freshman, Kisarzu City, Japan, Gyosei International School) and then the back of the net for a goal without the ball hitting the ground.
           
"We obviously got off to the start we needed," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "That was a manufactured goal. We rehearse certain set pieces like all teams and we executed that one well.
           
Brown added goals in the 23rd and 24th minute, taking advantage of an indirect free kick in the box on the game's third and final goal.
           
"I was delighted for Joe," Laidlaw said. "He affected the game with goals obviously but also with his hold up game in the midfield."
           
Alejo Marcon (freshman, midfielder, Knoxville, Pella Christian HS) and Derek Beiner (freshman, forward, Newton) added assists on Brown's first and second goals, respectively.
           
"Alejo did a lot of the work on that goal," Laidlaw said. "It was nice bit of skill dribbling and it made it easier for Joe to tap that in. Derek has hit a lot of crossbars and goal posts this year but he should feel good about all the chances he has created and I think his goal is coming soon."
           
John Foster (junior, goalkeeper, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) made just one save in preserving the shutout as Central outshot Coe 24-7, including 10-1 for shots on frame.

Central hosts Simpson College on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.