#StormTop10 Individual Performances No. 1: Pochop punishes Dutch
This year, SimpsonAthletics.com is publishing two #StormTop10 lists. Individual Performances showcases the best single-game, individual outings of the season, while Greatest Moments highlights the top team, single-season and career efforts. The lists were voted on by the Simpson coaching staff and will be unveiled each weekday beginning with #StormTop10 Individual Performances.
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#StormTop10 Individual Performances No. 1: Pochop punishes Dutch
In an MVP season filled with highlights it can be difficult to decipher one defining moment. But in Garrett Pochop's case, the task is relatively easy.
The Iowa Conference Offensive MVP set a school-record 22 goals in 2016, the most in the conference and fourth-most in Division III. Among those 22 goals were five game-winners and two hat tricks. But he saved his best performance for an IIAC Tournament clash with Central.
Pochop netted three goals -- his second straight hat trick -- as the Storm knocked off the Dutch 4-3 in the first round, avenging a 1-0 overtime loss at Pella during the regular season. Pochop's final goal stood up as the game-winner and gave him 22 on the season, breaking the school record of 21 set 16 years earlier.
A back-and-forth affair, Central had an answer for every Simpson goal except for one. Pochop put Simpson on the board in the 12th minute, then made it 2-1 early in the second half. Tanner Alderson gave Simpson a 3-2 lead with 20 minutes to play, but Central came back again to tie it in the 78th minute.
Pochop's game-winner came in the 84th minute, sending the Storm to the semifinal round of the IIAC Tournament.
Pochop registered his first hat trick of the season just days earlier in a 7-2 win over Buena Vista. He went on to earn National Soccer Coaches Association of America Player of the Week honors. In addition to being named IIAC Offensive MVP, the junior earned NSCAA Second Team All-Region and CoSIDA First Team Academic All-America honors at season's end.
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No. 10: Hawkins sets punting record
No. 9: Botkins nails seven 3s
No. 8: Johnston scores top-10 upset
No. 7: Luth buries Dubuque
No. 6: Rasmusson slaps five hits at Dubuque
No. 5: Beem saves best for last
No. 4: Kalinay breaks 26-year old hurdle record
No. 3: Coughenour captures multiple All-America honors
No. 2: Amsbaugh drops 40 on Saint Mary's
