PELLA — The Wartburg College men's soccer team scored early and then held off Central College in a 1-0 Wartburg win Saturday afternoon.
           
The Dutch (6-6-2, 2-3-0 American Rivers Conference) were outshot by the Knights (7-1-6, 3-1-2 conference) 19-2. Wartburg put seven shots on frame while Central was only able to do so once.
           
"I just don't think we did enough today," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "Wartburg is a really strong defensive team and there's a reason why they haven't conceded many goals all year."
           
Wartburg's goal came seven minutes into the contest via a header off a corner kick.
           
"I think that's the first time anybody has scored off a corner kick against us," Laidlaw said. "I'm pleased they weren't able to break us down in the run of play but giving up an early set-piece goal was disappointing."
           
Starting goalkeeper John Foster (senior, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) made six saves, including four in the second half.
           
Laidlaw cited freshman Josh Wilson's (Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) performance off the bench.
           
"He hasn't played a lot this year but we were looking for a spark," Laidlaw said. "He gave us something different in the game that we needed."
           
Central plays at Coe College in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. A trip to Nebraska Wesleyan University also awaits the Dutch on Saturday. All three teams are fighting for the final spots in the conference tournament.
           
"They are both vastly improved teams," Laidlaw said. "It's unbelievable how tight things are in our conference. We know we'll have to find as many points as we can."