Storm battle to 1-1 tie with Bethel

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The women's soccer teams from Simpson and Bethel played for 110 minutes on Friday afternoon but couldn't decide a winner in a 1-1 draw.

A competitive game between a pair of evenly-matched teams, neither squad could gain an upperhand.

"Today was a great back and forth game," Simpson head coach Ryan Sander said. "Both teams had their opportunities. We have some things to work on, but it the end it wasn't a loss and we are still undefeated."

Freshman forward Amber Johnson made sure the Storm (3-0-1) retained their undefeated record just before halftime. After a Bethel attack, Simpson countered to midfield. There, Johnson used her speed to out-run the defense before beating goalkeeper Alyssa Riggs.

Johnson and the Storm found themselves down early in the contest when Kelsey Flaherty gave the Royals (3-0-1) a 1-0 lead with a goal in the seventh minute.

Neither team found the back of the net in the final 65 minutes.

Bethel outshot Simpson 22-16 but Simpson had one more corner attempt with 11. Megan Petersen spent the first half between the posts for Simpson, making three saves. Jess Toyne closed it out for the Storm.

Riggs went the distance for Bethel, making two saves.

Simpson continues its road trip in the Land of 10,000 Lakes tomorrow when it takes on Crown in a 2 p.m. start.