PELLA — For the third year in a row, the Central College men's soccer team finished its match against Grinnell College in a tie as the two teams contested a 0-0 draw Saturday.
           
Central (1-1-1) put 10 shots on frame against Grinnell (0-1-3) but couldn't get one past the keeper. Forward Zach Holtan (sophomore, Ames) led the team with three shots on goal.
           
"I wasn't delighted with our start, but I thought we came into the game," coach Garry Laidalw said. "I thought we got stronger as the game went on today."
           
"Ultimately, it was the final pass, not just the finishing, where I think we missed too many opportunities today."
           
The Pioneers managed just five total shots and Dutch goalkeeper Morgan Finkenbinder (sophomore, Elkhorn, Neb., Skutt Catholic) made three saves in the shutout.
           
"I'm really pleased with the clean sheet," Laidlaw said. "I thought we defended the best we have all year. We definitely took some steps today as a team."
           
Central hosts St. Olaf College (Minn.) on Tuesday for a 5 p.m. match