Allen's goal lifts Storm in home finale

 Chris Allen's goal
 Postgame Interview - Chris Allen
 Postgame Interview - Head Coach Rick Isaacson

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Chris Allen made senior night at Buxton Stadium a memorable one.

The senior converted a free kick from the top of the box in the 54th minute, giving the Storm (8-8-1, 5-2 Iowa Conference) a 1-0 win over rival Central on a chilly Wednesday night.

"It felt great to beat Central at home on Senior Night," Allen said. "It feels amazing, especially in my senior year. The team put forth a total effort today ... it was a great win for this program."

The win gives Simpson its most wins since 2006 and clinches a spot in the Iowa Conference Tournament. The Storm go into this weekend with sole possession of third place.

"This group of seniors is small but they mean the world to the boys in this program and our coaching staff," head coach Rick Isaacson said. "To be able to turn things around in their final year and have some memorable wins like this and the Dubuque match means a lot to them and means just as much to our coaching staff."

Since Simpson began playing a schedule which included both Central and Dubuque, the Storm had never beaten both in the same season before 2011.

Aleksandar Glavas and Serge Siverston took two shots each and David Ziemann made three saves for the Dutch (8-6-1, 2-3-1), who have dropped their last two decisions in Indianola.

In the 54th minute, a Central foul gave Simpson a free kick opportunity just outside the penalty box. Allen fired a low-liner that went through the wall and snuck inside the near post for the game-winner.

Goalkeeper Luke Aronow made four saves and turned in a clean sheet in the win.

Seniors Allen, Bryan Michelsen and Nate Van Horn played in their final regular season game at Buxton Stadium.

The Storm have an opportunity to knock off the league-leader on Saturday when they travel to Decorah to take on Luther. The No. 24 Norse (13-2-1, 6-0-0) beat No. 7 Loras 2-0 on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.