Men's Soccer 8/30/08 -- Augsburg 2, Central (Iowa) 1
GAME BOXSCORE | AUGSBURG SEASON STATISTICS
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PELLA, Iowa (8/30/08) -- #D.J. Wendell# (JR, Princeton, Minn./Charles M. Russell (Mont.) HS) scored twice in a six-minute span late in the game, including the eventual game-winning goal with 8:38 left, as Augsburg College claimed a 2-1 victory over Central College in a nonconference men's soccer game on Saturday afternoon at Central's Kyuper Athletic Complex.
In claiming his first collegiate multi-goal game, Wendell scored from Alex Hildebrandt (JR, St. Paul, Minn./Highland Park HS) in the 76th minute, then scored from Hildebrandt and David Scheller (FY, Maple Grove, Minn.) in the 82nd minute.
"D.J. Wendell made a big difference today. His pace is usually what sets him apart from opponents, but today it was efficient finishing," said Augsburg coach Greg Holker. "Both goals came off first-time shots -- the first from 18 yards out, and the second from eight yards away from a great Dave Scheller header. Van Hong (SO, St. Louis Park, Minn.) had another strong match. He was threatening in the attack; soon enough, he will get on the end of one his many chances."
Augsburg (1-0-1 overall) goalkeeper Donnie McCarthy (SR, Whitehall, Mich.) collected eight saves for the victory, including two key stops in the closing minutes after the Auggies took the lead. Another Central (1-1-0 overall) shot with under five minutes left hit the goalpost.
"Donnie came up with two big saves in the second half, including one very difficult tip off a header in the final minutes of the game," Holker said.
Central claimed an "own goal" in the 37th minute to take the lead. The Dutch outshot the visiting Auggies by an 18-13 margin, including an 11-6 edge in the first half. Hong had a team-high four shots for the Auggies. Greg Foote collected three saves in goal for Central.
"This game was a bit of a battle. Both teams created some chances," Holker said. "I thought Central had the run of play in the first half, but we did well to withstand their attack. The own goal was unfortunate, but those things happen sometimes. In the second session, I felt we were a bit more lively and played with a sense of purpose."
Augsburg has its home opener on Tuesday (9/2) at 7:30 p.m., hosting Minnesota-Morris at Edor Nelson Field.
"Morris will provide a strong challenge for us. They are fresh off a 5-1 win over St. Mary's, but will play at Hamline the night before we kick off. I know the guys are looking forward to seeing (former Augsburg player) Kelsey Duerr on our field again for the first time in another uniform," Holker said.
