Late rally gives Simpson 2-2 tie in Opener

LINCOLN, Neb. – Playing in his hometown, Simpson senior Connor Skultety converted the game-tying goal in the second half on Tuesday, helping Simpson erase a 2-0 deficit in earning a 2-2 tie against Nebraska Wesleyan in the season opener.

Corey Miller (Sioux City, Iowa) converted the Storm's first goal in the 51st minute, cutting the Prairie Wolves' lead to 2-1. Skultety – who starred at Southwest High School as a prep – provided the equalizer at the 70:38 mark.

"We showed great determination and maturity to battle back after being down 2-0 on the road in the first game of the year," head coach Mike Wilson said. "Our senior captains (Skultety and Miller) showed great leadership and came through big for us with a couple of goals in the second half."

After more than 40 minutes of scoreless action to start the match, Nebraska Wesleyan (0-0-1) inked the scoring column first at the 41:16-mark when Grant Johannes took a feed from Brad Fullerton for the first goal of the contest. Less than six minutes later Jaffery Cyrus's goal put the Storm in a 2-0 hole.

Simpson (0-0-1) outshot the Prairie Wolves 18-12 on the night, putting nine tries on goal. After each team fired eight shots in the first period, the Storm's attack wore down Nebraska Wesleyan – Simpson came away with 10 shots in the second period and overtime compared to four for the hosts.

"We had our chances to put them away but couldn't quite do it," Wilson said. "But I was happy with the way we battled for all 110 minutes."

Simpson resumes action with a match against Ottawa University (Kan.) Friday at Davenport Soccer Complex. Originally scheduled to be played at Muscatine Soccer Complex, the match moved due to scheduling conflicts. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.