Toledo Blanks YSU to Collect First Win, 1-0

August 30, 2013

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Toledo secured its first victory of the season with a 1-0 triumph against Youngstown State on Friday in the inaugural match at Farmers National Bank Field. With the win, the Rockets improve to 1-2-0 on the year.

Senior Rachel MacLeod found the back of the net for the second time in as many matches to lift the Midnight Blue & Gold to the shutout victory. MacLeod slipped past the Penguins defenders in the 14th minute, grabbed the loss ball and zipped a shot into the bottom-right corner of the frame for the contest's only score.

"I'm tremendously proud of this team," Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans said. "We have experienced so many challenges this early in the season, but the team responded really well today."

MacLeod and the Rockets finished the intrastate battle with a decisive 15-3 edge in shots. Sophomores Geri Siudzinski and Kika Hernandez paced the visitors with three shots each, while MacLeod and freshman Brooke Maletic were both credited with two shots.

"Our midfield played a big role in this win with their play in the air and on the ground," Evans said. "The patchwork back line also gelled quickly and showed some maturity and cohesion."

Sophomore Sam Tiongson went the distance between the posts and was called upon to make only one save to record the blanking.

"We're really happy to come away with a win today," senior defender Becky Rhodes said. "We have worked hard this past week and are proud of our result. Some younger players stepped up which was big for us."

Toledo will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 1 it entertains Kentucky in its home opener. The opening whistle between the Rockets and Wildcats is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Scott Park.

Sunday’s match against UK has also been tabbed as "Youth & Camper Day" at the corner of Hill Ave. and Parkside Blvd. and will televised live on BCSN. All campers will get into the match for FREE if they wear their 2013 UT Soccer Camp t-shirt.

TOLEDO 1, Youngstown State 0

UT: R. MacLeod (Unassisted), 13:26

SHOTS: UT 15, YSU 3
SAVES: UT 1, YSU 7
CORNER KICKS: UT 4, YSU 3
FOULS: UT 10, YSU 10