Foelske’s late goal leads to 1-1 draw

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College women's soccer team opened the 2022 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Illinois Wesleyan on Thursday at Buxton Stadium.

Jordyn Foelske scored the equalizing goal in the 82nd minute, taking a long pass from Julia Wagoner up the middle and punching it in from 15 yards out. Along with forcing overtime with a goal in the team's 2021 matchup with the Titans, the sophomore has now scored in back-to-back season openers for the Storm. 

"Tonight was a fair result after a 90-minute battle with a very strong opponent in IWU," head coach Jeremy Reinert said. "I am proud of the resiliency and grit our team showed tonight. We played well and knew a goal was coming. Jordyn found it for us and did so in style."

Illinois Wesleyan (0-0-1) got on the scoreboard in the 19th minute with a goal from Liza Matimore. Teammate Caelyn Steffens fired a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar and landed in front of Matimore who put it away for the early lead.

Simpson (0-0-1) outshot its guests 24 to 16 overall and placed 10 shots on frame. Cassie Nash put three shots on target, while Megan Roberts and Brissa Valadez each had two shots on goal.

Lani Mears registered five saves in her first start for the Storm.

The Storm hit the road for the first time this season to take on St. Catherine on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Wildcats, who received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 poll, opened their season with a 2-0 defeat of UW-Stevens Point on Thursday.