Storm drop first match of season to Monmouth

INDIANOLA, Iowa -- An early first half goal was not enough as the Simpson women's soccer team suffered its first defeat of 2019 in a 2-1 game against Monmouth at home on Wednesday.

This is the farthest the Storm (6-1-4) have gone into a season before losing a match in program history dating back to 1996. The 1997 club started the year with seven straight victories before falling in the eighth. Through 11 games, Simpson has already clipped the ties mark with four this year, passing the previous best of three set in 2006.

Lizzie Arnburg broke open the scoring against the Fighting Scots (9-1-1) in the 24th minute for her third straight game with a netter. Kaitlyn Bravek lined up for a corner kick and lofted the ball to a jumping Arnburg, who used her head to give the Storm an early 1-0 tilt.

Simpson was able to hold off Monmouth for the rest of the half as the visitors only attempted two shots in the period.

Coming out of the break, the Fighting Scots ramped up their attacks with nine shot attempts. Monmouth tallied the game-tying goal in the 55th minute coming from Jacie Reis. In the 72nd, Reis scored the game winner.

The Storm looked to tie the game late like they did a few nights ago against Wartburg, but could only send off three shots in the final 10 minutes of play.

Simpson had 13 shots during the contest with five on target and the Fighting Scots had 11 total tries.

In her third start of the season, Aspen Brockhouse tallied two saves in goal for the Storm.

Notes
• Arnburg has scored in three straight contests for the Storm, one game winner and one game tying. After only having one shot attempt through the first eight games of her career, Arnburg now has six over the course of the last three contests.
• The Storm are the last American Rivers Conference team to receive a loss.
• Bravek now has two assists for the year and five in her career.

Comments from Coach Reinert
"We've given up a lead in the last two matches and tonight we couldn't find the late goal to bail us out. We're a group continuing to grow and learn how to win close games.

For the majority of the game we felt strong. Our energy was good, we were controlling the tempo and dictating the play. Unfortunately, a flat start to the second half was enough of a window for them to capitalize on their chances and win the match.

A week of recovery and practice is timed well for our current group. We're looking forward with a chance to run at Coe in full health next week."

Up Next
After stepping away from A-R-C play tonight, the Storm return to league action on Wednesday, Oct. 9 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Simpson takes on Coe for a 5 p.m. match.