Last-second goal helps Storm come away with draw

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Mike Flanagan's improbable goal with 28 seconds left in regulation helped Simpson escape with a 1-1 draw against Grinnell on Tuesday night at Buxton Stadium.

In a frantic scramble to tie the game with the clock winding down, Simpson's Mitchell White placed a corner kick into a mass of red and white jerseys. In the middle of the pile, Flanagan got just enough of the ball to sneak it inside of the left post, ending the Storm's five-game losing streak against Grinnell.

The ensuing celebration was one of relief for the Storm (3-4-1), who controlled the pace of play for the second game in a row. Simpson spent most of the game on the attacking end of the field and held a 24-13 shot advantage in regulation.

The Pioneers (2-4-1) hadn't lost to Simpson since 2001, and it looked as though the trend would continue after going up 1-0 early in the second half. Bozo Susac got Grinnell on the board when he found the back of the net from three yards out on a great cross by Elliot Meyer in the 58th minute.

Owning the momentum after Flanagan's game-saving goal, the Storm earned plenty of opportunities to seal the deal in extra time. Simpson out-shot Grinnell 9-5 and attempted six of its ten corner kicks in the final 20 minutes, but the Pioneer back line and goalkeeper Greg Fox held strong.

Fox came away with 14 saves on the night while Luke Aronow had eight for Simpson.

Jeremy Reinert and Chris Allen led the Simpson attack, combining for 18 shots and 10 shots on goal.

Simpson takes to the pitch again this weekend when it opens Iowa Conference play in Cedar Rapids against Coe. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.