Early goal, stout defense helps Storm top Blugolds

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Cassie Nash scored less than two minutes into the game and the Simpson College women's soccer team collected a 1-0 home victory over regionally-ranked Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

It took just 105 seconds for the fans at Buxton Stadium to celebrate a goal as the reigning American Rivers Conference Offensive Player of the Week sprinted past her defender to receive a high bouncing pass from Julia Wagoner on the left side. With just the Blugold goalie in front of her, Nash fired a shot from 10 yards out that rolled to the near corner and put the home team on the board.

Simpson (3-3-1) continued to put pressure on UW-Eau Claire's defense with six more shots in the next 15 minutes, but four saves by Kennedy Boll and two blocks from Blugold defenders kept the Storm's lead at bay. On the other end of the field, Lani Mears made three first-half saves to help Simpson maintain its advantage going into the break.

The second half was a defensive battle between the teams before lightning in the area put a hold on the contest. Action resumed nearly an hour later, but only seven minutes rolled off the clock before more lightning struck, forcing the referees to eventually call the game.

The Storm defense kept the Blugolds (3-3-0) off the scoreboard for just the second time this season, earning their third shutout of the year.

"Big win at home over a talented and regionally-ranked opponent!," said head coach Jeremy Reinert. "Today was another massive day of growth for our group. We fought for one another and held on to an early lead through several swings in momentum. Big shutout for our defensive unit!"

Up Next
Simpson goes back on the road for one last nonconference test at Monmouth before opening up the A-R-C schedule at home on Sept. 24 versus Coe. The Storm face the Scots on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.