PLATTEVILLE, WISCONSIN — Squaring off with the unbeaten University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team, Central College dropped a 3-1 decision Friday night.
           
The Dutch moved to 5-5-2 on the season while the Pioneers are now 8-0-4.
           
"I'm really proud of our team's effort tonight," coach Garry Laidlaw said. "Against a top team, I thought our level was the best it's been all season."
           
Starting midfielder Gabe Wilson (senior, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) and defender Lelong Miyeng (freshman, Bondurant, Des Moines North HS) both were not available for the match for health reasons. Key reserves Austin DeVilder (freshman, Moline, Ill., United Township HS) and Matthew Neuhalfen (senior, Glenwood) were also not available.
           
"We were down a few regulars," Laidlaw said. "I thought we everyone who stepped on the pitch showed well tonight."
           
After Platteville took a 1-0 lead early in the second half, Central answered within a minute with a Solomon Manmola (senior, Urbandale) goal off a Nolan Piedimonte (freshman, Lee's Summit, Mo., North HS) assist.
           
"I loved how quickly we responded with the equalizer and showed another level of growth with our team" Laidlaw said. "I'm happy for Solomon and the way he got into the box for his finish.
           
The Pioneers would add two more tallies in the second half to put the game away.
           
Central returns to American Rivers Conference action with a 7:30 p.m. match Tuesday night at Luther College.
           
"We'll need a similar mentality and effort for the next match to stay in the conference tournament race," Laidlaw said.