GC men's soccer team holds off Simpson for 3-2 victory

Grinnell College Athletics

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Playing a rare night match, Grinnell College's men's soccer team made the most of the occasion.

The Pioneers shot out to a 2-0 halftime lead on their way to 3-2 non-conference victory at Simpson College Tuesday night. Grinnell (2-3-3) snapped a three-match losing streak to the Storm and scored their most goals in the series since 2009.

The Pioneers went to work quickly, as Samuel Gojjam '27 found the back of the net just 11 minutes into the match. It was Gojjam's team-high third goal of the season and seventh in his career.

Dylan Maddux '25 added a goal 10 minutes after Gojjam's, with Billy Cherres '26 getting the assist for a 2-0 Pioneer lead. Maddux has two goals this season and 14 during his time at Grinnell.

Simpson (4-4-0) scored right out of the gate to start the second half, but Ian O'Loughlin '28 gave the visitors some breathing room with a goal in the 56th minute. It was O'Loughlin's second goal this season and the assist was provided by Maddux, who now has 21 for his career. That ranks third in program history.

Grinnell managed 12 shots, with Gojjam taking three and O'Loughlin and Soma Suzuki '25 adding two each. Jayson Kunkel '26 got the victory at keeper and posted six saves.

Grinnell opens Midwest Conference play Saturday with a big home contest against Lake Forest College. Kickoff is at 11 a.m.

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