PELLA — Yielding a goal in the first 90 seconds of the match was too much for the Central College women's soccer team to overcome in a 2-1 loss Thursday afternoon against Augustana College (Ill.)
           
The Vikings hit a shot off the crossbar and then regathered it for a goal at the 1:24 mark. They added a second tally on a penalty kick in the 75th minute.
           
Statistically, Central outshot its opponents 17-6, putting 10 shots on frame. Central earned eight corner kicks and Augustana only attempted one.
            "
Those statistics are usually a recipe to win games," coach Mike Kobylinski said. "That's where soccer can be a cruel game, but ultimately it's about putting the ball in the back of the net."
           
Central did get a goal late, as Rachel Daniels (senior, midfielder, Geneseo, Ill.) gathered a ball in the box off a Paige Cahill (junior, midfielder, Castle Rock, Colo., Castle View HS) assist at the 86:36 mark.
           
"It was great to get Rachel on the score sheet," Kobylinski said. "Paige served a lovely ball."
           
Central started three freshmen and brought in two more newcomers off the bench.
           
"Bailey Huizenga (freshman, midfielder, Colona, Ill., Geneseo HS) played a ton of minutes and played the first one like she did the last one," Kobylinski said. "Mimi Pavelka (freshman, Shakopee, Minn., Holy Family HS) did some good things in the midfield."
           
Central is headed to Indiana and Michigan this weekend for a pair of matches. Central starts with St. Mary's (Ind.) at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday and Hope College (Mich.) on Monday at 2 p.m. (EDT)
           
"They're both going to be tough teams out of the MIAA," Kobylinski said. "Hope is a perennial top-30 team. It's going to be a challenge. If we want to be the best, we've got to play the best."