Storm fall at nationally ranked Carleton

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Simpson College men's soccer team came up against a strong, nationally ranked Carleton team, dropping its tuneup match before the conference opener on Saturday.

The Knights (8-0) came into the match unbeaten with a pair of top 20 wins to their name. In the latest edition of the United Soccer Coaches Rankings, the Knights were ranked 11th nationally and first in the region.

The Storm (3-4) conceded twice in the first half in inopportune times, the first just three minutes into the game and the second a few moments before halftime. The Knights carried that momentum into the second half, adding four goals in the period to claim the victory.

GOAL SUMMARY

• Trevor Jones opened the scoring, dribbling into the box. A Storm defender attempted to clear the ball but it hit Jones and deflected into the net.
• The Knights made it 2-0 before the break with a swift counter attack that ended in a curled shot at the top of the box over Storm goalkeeper Arya Nowroozi.
• The Knights' third goal came less than three minutes into the second half as well, with a fine finish being produced after another quick counter.
• The Storm were shocked and the Knights continued to supply pressure, finding a fourth after an inch-perfect cross.
• Carleton added two more in quick succession before the game ended, sending Simpson to a 3-4 record.

SIMPSON MOMENTS

• The Storm's best chance in the first half fell to Egide Nishemagizwe, who slowed down cleverly chasing down a long ball, fooling two defenders. His sweetly struck half-volley needed magnificent save from the Knights goalkeeper.
• Right after the ensuing corner, Espoire Nkomezi unleashed a strike from around 30 yards out that flashed just wide.
• Ronaldo Ordaz nearly found the top corner early into the second half, but fired his shot narrowly over the bar.

NOTABLE

• The Storm fell to 5-9-2 all-time against the Knights.
• Each side has won two of the previous four meetings.
• This was the first time this season that the Storm were shutout.

UP NEXT
The Storm open conference play on Saturday by hosting rival Central, with the game tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m.