Simpson drops overtime thriller in final seconds

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Illinois Wesleyan tallied a goal in the final 15 seconds to grab a 4-3 win over Simpson College women's soccer in double overtime on Wednesday.

"It was a heartbreaking way to lose a game," head coach Jeremy Reinert said. "We knew they were going to be a challenging opponent and we wanted that challenge. I am really proud of the grit and passion we displayed by continuing to battle back."

The Titans (1-0-0), who have reached the NCAA Division III National Tournament each year since 2013, split Simpson's defense in the final seconds to win the second meeting between the two programs.

Freshman Jordyn Foelske forced overtime with a 74th-minute goal for her first career netter for the Storm (0-1-0). Foelske hit the upper-left corner of the net to knot the game at 3-3. 

"We grew in a huge way today and that's the most important thing we needed at this point in the season," Reinert said. "We never gave up and proved we can hang with one of the top teams in their region."

Illinois Wesleyan opened the scoring in the 26th minute before freshman Maddie Hays collected her first career goal in the 43rd to tie the match. Junior Cassie Nash gave the Storm a 2-1 advantage in the 47th with her fifth career goal in only her eighth match. The hosts tied the game less than two minutes later and grabbed the lead in the 61st.

In the overtime periods, Simpson held a 6-2 shot advantage and forced the Titans' keeper to make three saves.

Sophomore Hailey Kowzan and Nash both ended with two shots on-goal for the Storm. Sophomore Brenny Frederick collected six saves.

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Simpson gears up for its home opener on Saturday with a 1 p.m. match against Benedictine (Ill.). The Eagles dropped their season opener against Clarke in a 1-0 contest.