Reinert saves the day for Simpson

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Jeremy Reinert's game-winner four minutes into the second overtime gave the Simpson men's soccer team a thrilling 3-2 win over Culver-Stockton on Sunday afternoon at Buxton Stadium.

Reinert's goal put an end to a long afternoon for the Storm (3-4), who out-shot Culver-Stockton 24-8 but couldn't finish the game until the 104th minute. Reinert beat his defender on the left wing and fired right-footed strike at the far post from 15 yards out.

Coached by Simpson alum and former assistant coach Michael Prunty, the Wildcats (1-5) took advantage of their limited opportunities.

Patrick Bentzinger gave Culver-Stockton a 1-0 lead when he found the back of the net off a goalkeeper deflection in the 28th minute and Garnet Ferron scored the only goal of the second half off a corner kick situation. Ferron's goal was one of only two shots taken by the Wildcats in the second period.

Simpson answered Bentzinger's first score with a pair of goals. The Iowa Conference's leading goal scorer, Mitchell White, connected on his seventh goal of the season off a keeper deflection in the 34th minute. Just over six minutes later Brian Newton headed in a corner kick from Reinert to give Simpson the 2-1 lead.

The Storm had four looks at the goal in extra time, watching a golden opportunity slip away when White's empty-net attempt was blocked by a Culver-Stockton defender three minutes into the first overtime.

Luke Aronow didn't make a save in goal for the Storm, but picked up his third win of the season. Sergio Hernandez kept Culver-Stockton in the game, making a hanful of game-saving stops in the second period and extra time. He finished with eight saves in the loss.

Simpson returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 20 when it hosts Grinnell in a 7 p.m. kickoff from Buxton Stadium.