Storm knocks off second-place Dubuque

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Simpson women's soccer team vaulted back into the Iowa Conference race with a 1-0 win against second-place Dubuque Saturday afternoon.

Mollie McMahon (Sr., MF, Des Moines, Iowa) converted on a penalty kick for the match's only score in the closing minutes of the first half as Simpson (9-6, 5-2 IIAC) moved into a tie for second in the conference race after starting the day in fifth.

After a 2-4 start, the Storm is 7-2 in its last nine matches.

Dubuque goalkeeper Natalie Baker turned back McMahon's initial attempt on the penalty kick, but McMahon took the deflection and found the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season and second game-winner.

The Spartans (12-5, 5-2 IIAC) out-shot Simpson 28-21, putting seven shots on goal to the Storm's six. Daniella Gonzalez took eight shots, putting two on goal to lead Dubuque, which is tied with Simpson for second in the conference.

Both teams have 15 points, trailing Luther and Wartburg, who have 16 points each.

Goalkeeper Megan Peterson (Fr., Indianola, Iowa) made seven saves in posting her fifth shutout of the season. Baker had five saves for Dubuque.

Simpson's game with Concorida-Moorhead was cancelled for Sunday. The Storm's final match of the season is set for Oct. 31, when it hosts third-place Loras at Buxton Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.