Rockets Outlast Bobcats, 2-1
ATHENS, Ohio - On a cold and windy Friday afternoon at Chessa Field, Ohio Soccer lost a 2-1 decision to the visiting Toledo Rockets. The Bobcats battled back after allowing two first-half goals but couldn't quite find the equalizer at the end of the match.
Ohio midfielder Cathryn Rogers made her way onto the scoresheet for the Bobcats on Friday. Her 27th-minute goal was the 12th of her career and vaults her onto Ohio's all-time top ten goalscorers list. She is currently tied with Nicki Pendleton (1998-01) for 10th place.
The Rockets (7-9-1, 5-3-1 MAC) controlled much of the play on Friday afternoon, outshooting Ohio by a 21-3 margin. Ohio was able to clamp down defensively in the second half, only allowing eight shots in the final 45 minutes.
Junior goalkeeper Mattie Liston (Lakewood, Ohio) had a strong outing in the loss, making nine saves. Liston is currently only 15 saves away from becoming Ohio Soccer's all-time leader in goalkeeper saves.
Toledo got things going right from the start, pressuring the Bobcats early on in the match. The Rockets were able to find the back of the net first, scoring in the 10th minute when Rachel MacLeod was able to capitalize on a bouncing ball in the box resulting from a corner kick. Following a nice delivery into the penalty area, Meghan Topolewski hit a solid shot on target but it was blocked by the Ohio defense. The rebound spilled out to MacLeod, who was able to beat an onrushing Liston and slam it into the back of the net.
MacLeod was then able to double Toledo's lead in the 26th minute, taking advantage of an Ohio turnover. She collected the ball just outside of the penalty area and dribbled past the defense to beat an outstretched Liston, making it 2-0.
Ohio (7-8-1, 2-5-1 MAC) showed great fight at this point in the match, answering back immediately. A trio of seniors moved the ball well up the field in the 27th minute to pull the `Cats within one goal at 2-1. Veronica Rock (North Royalton, Ohio) passed the ball to Erin Schwenke (Solon, Ohio), who was rushing up the field. Schwenke hit a hard shot off the far post which spilled back into the goal mouth. Rogers (Etobicoke, Ontario) smartly continued her near-post run and was able to calmly tap it into the net.
The Bobcats played a strong second half, significantly limiting Toledo's chances at goal. Liston came up big during the Rockets' best opportunity, making two saves in a period of ten seconds during the 81st minute when Rachael Kravitz and Angelica Hernandez recorded two quick shots on goal.
Ohio will next be in action on Sunday against Northern Illinois. The Bobcats and Huskies will kick off at 1 p.m. from Chessa Field. The match will serve as Ohio's Senior Day.
Ohio Starting XI (Numerically): Liston (GK), Murnane, Rogers, Howard, Feeney, Schwenke, Bechtel, Frasik, Hausfeld, Finley, Campbell
Goals:
Toledo - Rachel MacLeod 4 (Meghan Topolewski 1) 10'
Toledo - Rachel MacLeod 5 (Unassisted) 26'
Ohio - Cathryn Rogers 6 (Erin Schwenke 1, Veronica Rock 3) 27'
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