Storm drop home match against Cardinals

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson College men's soccer team took control of the game in the second half, tying the game, but Saint Mary's (Minn.) hit the Storm on a counter attack to claim a 2-1 win.

The Storm (2-2-0) were not as sharp early on, trying to get into the game after playing less than 24 hours ago in the win over Illinois College. The first half saw almost no clear cut chances until the final 30 seconds. The Cardinals (3-1-1) started a counter attack that was finished off by a close-range header with 25 seconds to go in the first half. The Storm woke up at half time, with Eric Schmidt scoring a wonder goal to tie the game, but the Cardinals went ahead for good with 20 minutes to play.

GOAL SUMMARY

• The first real chance of the game was the first goal, with Saint Mary's Rojan Monger serving up a cross to Diego Giles, who headed home with just 25 seconds left in the first half.
• Schmidt tied the game just before the hour mark, who scored a beautiful one-touch goal into the top corner from outside the box. Ronaldo Ordaz provided the assist to pull Simpson back on terms.
• However, Giles was involved again after some slick passing released him down the right-hand side. He made a low cross that found Cohan Hare, who took a touch and fired past Arya Nowroozi.

KEY MOMENTS

• The Storm had many huge chances in the second half, including a frantic scene that hit the crossbar and was blocked off the line.
• The Storm thought they took the lead before Saint Mary's winner, with Sam Hying's header desperately saved, but the referee called a foul as the Storm put the rebound into the net.
• Ordaz had a direct free kick at the top of the box with 12 minutes to go that also hit the crossbar, as the Cardinals' goalkeeper was frozen.
• The Storm had one final chance with a deflected cross falling to Andrew Russell inside the box, but his shot was partially blocked and went just wide of the post.

STORM LEADERS

• Eric Schmidt: goal
• Ronaldo Ordaz: assist
• Andrew Russell: six shots

NOTABLE

• The Storm dominated the second half, outshooting the Cardinals 17-2.
• Eric Schmidt scored his first career goal for the Storm.
• Ronaldo Ordaz has now recorded a goal or an assist in all four of the Storm's games this season.
• The Storm still lead the all-time series with the Cardinals, with a record of 7-6-4.
• The away team has now won three of the last four matchups.

UP NEXT
The Storm stay at home by hosting Cornell College next Wednesday at 7 p.m.