Storm falls to Grand View, 2-1

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Senior Mollie McMahon (Des Moines, Iowa) got Simpson on the board in the 80th minute, but the Storm couldn't complete the rally after spotting the visitors two goals, falling to Grand View 2-1 at Buxton Stadium Tuesday night.

McMahon's goal came off a set piece from the far left wing after Grand View's Alecia Werner was issued a yellow card late in the second period. McMahon's goal, however, was the only shot on goal Simpson had all night.

Grand View outshot Simpson 16-8, putting five shots on goal.

"We knew Grand View was going to be an athletic, well organized team and they were on top most of the game," interim head coach Greg Velasquez said. "We tried to adjust to their style and defend where we could and look for our breaks."

The Storm (1-3, 0-0 IIAC) didn't find enough breaks Tuesday, however, as the Vikings (2-3, 0-0 MCC) narrowed the gap in the all-time series to one game – Simpson now leads 5-4.

"It was hit or miss for us," Velasquez said. "Every once in a while we would get numbers forward and have an attack, but it's on the coaching staff to make the most of those attacks."

Grand View took the offensive early, as Aleia Salazar got the Vikings on the board at the 17:41 mark when she found herself with a clean look at the goal from seven yards out.

The game-winner came off the foot of Kelsey Brown, who fired a bullet over Simpson goalkeeper Megan Petersen (Fr., Indianola, Iowa) from just outside the top of the box in the 63rd minute.

Petersen made three saves in the loss for Simpson, while Jorie Shields-Smith improved her record to 2-1 for Grand View.

Simpson, which is now 1-2 on the six-game home stand, will try to turn things around in the second half of the run, beginning with a clash with Northwestern (Iowa) Friday at Buxton Stadium. Kick-off is set for 5 p.m.