Storm offense erupts in win over Central

INDIANOLA, Iowa – After back-to-back overtime games, the Simpson men's soccer team made certain there was no chance of extra time on Wednesday night.

Five different players scored goals, the defense turned in another clean sheet and Simpson ran away from Central, 5-0 for a much-needed three points in the league standings.

"We're happy to get another conference win after tough overtime games against Wartburg and Dubuque," said head coach Rick Isaacson, whose team tied Wartburg 2-2 last Thursday and lost 3-2 in double overtime at Dubuque on Saturday.

Mitchell White got the scoring started for the Storm (9-5-1, 2-1-1 Iowa Conference). The sophomore scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season when he one-timed a cross from Josh Dicken with his right foot in the 21st minute. (see video below)

Marcus Varnum added the second goal just 2 minutes and 28 seconds before intermission thanks to a breakaway down the left side, giving Simpson a 2-0 advantage at the break.

The second half was more of the same, as Mark Lahart, Cody Jacobson and Mike Flanagan all got into the scoring column.

"Tonight was just a great team effort," Isaacson said.

Luke Aronow made seven saves in the shutout, Simpson's sixth of the season and the most by a Simpson team since the 2002 squad had nine.

"I think we're starting to come into our own," Isaacson said. "We've been working on some spacing and positioning issues and there was noticeable progress in that area tonight. Sometimes it's about working smarter and not harder."

With seven points in the league standings, Simpson is tied for second with Wartburg, behind undefeated Loras and Dubuque.

Travis Yets made nine saves between the posts and Matt Woodcock and Jordan Appenzeller put two shots on goal each for the Dutch (4-8-1, 1-3), who knocked Simpson out of the Iowa Conference Tournament in 2011 by a familiar score: 5-0.

Simpson travels to Decorah, Iowa on Saturday to face the IIAC's defending champion, Luther. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Game Notes: The five goals scored by Simpson are the most against a conference opponent since beating Cornell 8-0 on Oct. 18, 2008 ... Mitchell White's goal improves his career total to 19, which ranks 10th all-time at Simpson ... Simpson's six shutouts in 2012 are five away from tying the school record of 11 set in 1997.