Simpson rides defensive effort to 1-0 win

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Goalkeepers Megan Petersen and Jess Toyne combined for 14 saves and the Simpson women's soccer team made the most of its opportunities on offense in a shortened, 1-0 win over UW-River Falls on Wednesday.

Playing at an unlit complex, officials ended the contest due to darkness with 12:29 left in the game. Scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., the game started about 45 minutes late because the officials had not yet arrived.

The Storm (7-2-2) played with their backs against the wall for most of the game, taking only nine shots to River Falls' 22.

But Petersen and Toyne proved worthy of the challenge, as Petersen made 10 saves in the first half and Toyne snagged four in the final 32:31.

Nicole Pirie took advantage of her only shot of the evening, capitalizing on an empty net in the 31st minute for her fourth goal of the season.

Eryn Lansverk put five shots on goal and Alex Swatloski put four on goal for the Falcons (2-8). Rachel Thompson made four saves in goal.

Simpson looks to go 2-0 in conference play when it travels to Dubuque on Saturday, Oct. 1 for a 1 p.m. meeting with the University of Dubuque.