Simpson cruises to 2-0 win over Northwestern

INDIANOLA, Iowa – On the strength of its best offensive effort of the season, Simpson made good on two of its 11 second half shots in a 2-0 shutout of Northwestern (Iowa) Friday evening at Buxton Stadium.

After attempting only five shots in the first half, Simpson (2-3) spent a majority of the second stanza in the Red Raider-third, getting goals from Mollie McMahon (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa) and Taylor Hallgren (Fr., DeKalb, Ill.).

"We put ourselves in good positions tonight," interim head coach Greg Velasquez said. "I thought we did well in the first half but in the second half we played a simpler brand of football and it led to more looks. We were less direct in the second half and a little more surgical, and it paid off."

Northwestern (0-4) attempted only two shots in the contest.

After some near misses at the end of the first half on dangerous runs led by Ashlee Krider (Fr., Norwalk, Iowa), Simpson broke through at the 58:35 mark. Lacey Davis (So., Tama, Iowa) found McMahon, who struck her second goal of the season from three yards out.

The Storm's second goal involved an impressive display of teamwork. Erin Vinnedge (Sr., Great Falls, Mont.) got the play started with one of Simpson's six corner kicks, placing a serve into the box. McMahon took the serve and left the ball in front of the goal for Hallgren to touch it in.

The Red Raiders had their best chance with just over 16 minutes remaining in the contest, when Katy Phillips' attempt on a free kick from the top of the box went high of the mark.

After seeing 15 shots against it in the first four matches of the season, the Simpson defense didn't have its back against the wall on Friday.

"Giving the defense a night when they can relax for spells is good for us," Velasquez said.

Jessica Toyne (Fr., Bellevue, Neb.) evened her record as the starting keeper to 1-1, making one save on the night. Jennifer Cantwell made seven saves and allowed both goals for Northwestern.

Simpson has a day off before hosting Gustavus Adolphus in the first half of a men's and women's doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday.