CEDAR RAPIDS — Despite being outshot and losing the possession battle, the Central College men's soccer team did enough to pick up a 1-0 win at Coe College Wednesday.
           
The Dutch (7-6-2, 3-3-0 American Rivers Conference) managed just three shot attempts on the night compared to 11 for the Kohawks. Coe was also credited with 66% of ball possession while earning a 5-2 advantage on corner kicks.
           
"It was not the most aesthetically pleasing game," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "I'm proud of the way our guys battled.  We needed a lot of crucial tackles, interceptions and clearances to hold on but we still got a valuable three points."
           
Nolan Piedimonte (freshman, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) bagged his sixth goal of the season in the 34th minute off an assist from Coleman Manuel (junior, Erie, Colo.). Manuel subbed in just moments before the goal and provided an instant impact.
           
"Coleman had just stepped on the pitch and found Nolan with a perfect through ball," Laidlaw said. "Nolan tucked it away perfectly. The goal was a thing of beauty."
           
Goalkeeper John Foster (senior, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) recorded six saves, including four in the first 25 minutes of the match.
           
The Dutch are still in the thick of the postseason race with a trip to Nebraska Wesleyan University of Saturday for a 3:30 pm. match next on the schedule."
           
"We've still got some work to do but we're glad to still be in a position to qualify for the conference tournament," Laidlaw said.