ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team fought their way to a tie with the Simpson College Storm on Saturday afternoon, overcoming a one-goal deficit two separate times.
 
"I was happy with our response today after the loss on Wednesday.  We played with energy, passion, and conviction and it was a strong effort heading into conference play," said head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec.
 
As Coach Iwaszkowiec mentioned, the Royals came out aggressively on offense, firing numerous shots on the Simpson goalkeeper in the opening minutes.  However, they were not able to capitalize and the Storm quickly changed the momentum with a goal in the 10^th minute.  Sophomore midfielder Garrett Pochop notched his third score of the season, converting on passes from teammates Cody Jacobsen and Tyler Neumann.
 
The Royals began the second half still trailing and in need of a spark when junior striker Ryan Ness rifled a free kick into the back of the net in the 60^th minute.  The crowd erupted as the ball screamed past the goalkeeper and suddenly the Royals had equalized the game.  Despite the newfound energy, the Royals would find themselves in another deficit after a late goal from the Storm's Marcus Varnum.  With just thirteen minutes remaining in regulation, the Royals were looking to strike quickly and Ness came to the rescue once again, this time assisted by Ryan Nichols and Danny Jaderholm.
 
The teams would finish the second half deadlocked at two goals apiece and would head to overtime.  They would ultimately play two overtime sessions with neither time able to break the tie.  The draw now sends the Royals to a record of 1-3-1 while the Storm move to 3-0-1.  Bethel's next contest will be in Northfield on Wednesday where they will face St. Olaf.