Storm rolls in win over Bethel

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Tyler Neumann continued to impress, the defense turned in a second straight shutout and the Simpson men's soccer team beat Bethel 3-0 on Sunday afternoon at Buxton Stadium.

Simpson controlled the game from beginning to end, out-shooting Bethel 19-7 and spending a majority of the day on the attacking side of the field.

A freshman, Neumann followed up his two-goal, one-assist performance Saturday with a goal and an assist on Sunday.

"We knew we were getting a special player when we got Tyler," second-year head coach Rick Isaacson said. "But what we couldn't predict was how he and some of our other incoming players would blend with returning players. A nice surprise has been how those two groups have jelled. What Tyler is able to do with the ball is dangerous and creates quality scoring chances for us."

In all, the Storm (2-0) outscored Crown and Bethel 14-0 during the opening weekend of play.

"We're pleased to be 2-0," Isaacson said. "But we're still an unfinished product. We learned today that we need to iron out some things before we take the field again. We're happy, but there is still work to be done."

Mitchell White put Simpson on the board with his second goal of the season in the 26th minute. Neumann found White on the play, who buried a delivery form five yards out.

Just over three minutes later, Mark Lahart broke free inside the 18 and was tripped up by a Bethel defender, resulting in a yellow card. Lahart – who had three assists in Saturday's game – made good on the penalty kick, giving Simpson a 2-0 lead that held into intermission.

Neumann put the finishing touches on his gem in the 78th minute.

On a Bethel attack, Hunter LaFollette cleared a ball from the back line, allowing Neumann to track it down and coast for the breakaway goal.

Luke Aronow made four saves in goal, going the distance between the posts.

Mishia Toe put three shots on goal for the Royals (0-2).

Simpson makes its first road trip of the season Wednesday, Sept. 5 when it travels to Grinnell for a 5 p.m. kickoff. The Pioneers (1-0-1) played Central to a 2-2 tie on Sunday.