Martinez's last minute goal lifts Storm to dramatic 2-2 draw against Central

INDIANOLA, Iowa - After a late goal from the Dutch, Allan Martinez and the Storm shocked Buxton Stadium, scoring the game-tying goal in the 88th minute to force a 2-2 draw against Central on Wednesday night.

Simpson (3-5-6, 0-2-1) jumped out to the quick lead on a leg of Mitchell Dickson in the 24th minute. Off a goal kick to Zach Kline at midfield, Kline found Dickson who netted his team-leading seventh goal of the season. Behind strong defensive play from Nate Hersom and the Storm, Simpson carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Central (5-2-4, 1-0-2) responded early in the second half, scoring the equalizer in the 53rd minute, on a cross to the top of the box that connected with a Dutch forward on the backside. The match held 1-1 until the final minutes. Central mounted one final push and connected for what looked like the game-winning goal in the 88th minute.

However, Simpson refused to back down. The Storm marched the ball up the field and forced a corner. Off the corner, Dickson found himself with the ball at the top of the box and went out wide to Martinez. Martinez lofted a perfectly placed ball in the upper right of the net, out past the reach of the goalie and solidified the draw.

Simpson finished the match with eight shots, five in the first half and three in the back half, along with four corners and five saves.

TOP PERFORMANCES

Allan Martinez: one goal, three shots, two shots on goal
Mitchell Dickson: one goal, one assist, three shots
Nate Hersom: 90 minutes, 17 shots faced, four saves

UP NEXT

Simpson begins a three-game road trip, starting with a match against Loras this Saturday, Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m.