Second half charge not enough in 1-0 loss to Central

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Despite a flurry of looks at the goal in the second half and boasting a 14-5 edge in shots taken, the Simpson women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss to Central on Wednesday night.

Brittany Hinton snuck a shot past goalkeeper Megan Petersen just under six minutes into the game and the score held for the remaining 84 minutes and change as the Dutch (9-4-1, 2-1-1 Iowa Conference) snapped a five-game losing streak in the series.

Petersen made three saves and Kate Morford accounted for two of the team's six shots on goal for the Storm (7-6, 1-3).

"We have to consistently put two halves together if we want to compete in this conference," said head coach Ryan Sander after his team's third straight conference loss. "I thought we played much better in the second half. We need to take that momentum and turn this thing around."

After surrendering the early goal, the Simpson defense tightened, allowing only four shots the rest of the way. The offense turned up the pressure in the second half, out-shooting Central 12-1.

One of the best opportunities to tie the game came off the foot of Susan Leslie. In the 87^th minute, the midfielder got a clean look from 35 yards out and ripped a shot off the crossbar.

Simpson also had a pair of corner kicks in the closing minutes but couldn't capitalize.

The result marked Central's first win over Simpson since 1999.

The Storm travel to Decorah on Saturday, Oct. 13 for a 1 p.m. kickoff against Luther.