Toledo Blanks IPFW to Collect First Win, 1-0

by Brian DeBenedictis

August 29, 2012

FORT WAYNE, IN - Sophomore Rio James scored the match’s lone goal to lead Toledo to a 1-0 shutout victory over IPFW on Friday under the lights at the Hefner Soccer Complex. With the blanking, the Rockets’ collect their first win of the season and improve to 1-2-0.

James received a nice through-pass from senior Jaimie Morsillo over the Mastodons’ defense and promptly beat the goalie far post to tally her first tally of the season at 55:47.

"It was a good road win, considering it was IPFW’s home opener," Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans said. "We had some specific objectives coming into the match and for the most part we achieved them. It was also good to have a number of different players contribute, but the result is cautionary. We have much to improve upon in all facets of the game moving forward."

Each team finished with 11 shots, with James registering a squad-best three shots. The Midnight Blue & Gold also held a slight 5-4 edge in corner kicks to claim its fourth win in five career matchups against the Mastodons (0-2-0).

Between the posts, sophomore Kelsey Borowitz and freshman Sam Tiongson split time and combined to make eight saves in the shutout. A native of Indianapolis, Tiongson made her collegiate debut in her home state this evening and posted three stops.

"Tonight was a good match for us," senior tri-captain Natalia Gaitan said. "We came to get a good result, and we did. IPFW is a talented team, and we were able to score and get the shutout. We have a lot of areas to improve on, but this is good for us and for our confidence. We hope to transfer this momentum into Sunday’s match and to get another good result on the road."

Added Evans, "Natalia’s ability to read the match tonight was fantastic and was a big reason for the clean sheet."

The Rockets return to the pitch on Sunday, Aug. 26 when they travel to Austin, TX to play Big 12 Conference member Texas. The opening whistle is slated for 1:00 p.m. at the Mike A. Myers Stadium & Soccer Field at 1:00 p.m. Sunday’s contest against UT will be televised on the Longhorn Network.

TOLEDO 1, IPFW 0

UT: R. James (J. Morsillo), 55:47

SHOTS: UT 11, IPFW 11

CORNER KICKS: UT 5, IPFW 4

SAVES: UT 8, IPFW 2

FOULS: UT 17, IPFW 12