Toledo Suffers 2OT Setback vs. Samford, 1-0

by Brian DeBenedictis

September 10, 2012

LOUISVILLE, KY - Kaley Blanton scored the ‘Golden Goal’ to lift Samford to a 1-0 double overtime victory over Toledo at the Marriott Louisville Airport Cardinal Classic on Friday at Cardinal Park. With the loss, the Rockets fall to 2-4-0 on the season.

Blanton sprinted down the right side and beat UT freshman goalie Sam Tiongson toward the near post at the 107:03 mark to propel the Bulldogs (2-3-0) to their second straight triumph.

"This is a tough loss," Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans said. "I thought we defended fairly well, and their one shot on goal was unfortunately enough for the winner. Offensively, we created some chances in the second half but didn’t convert."

UT finished with a 12-8 edge in shots, including a match-high three off the foot of junior Rachel MacLeod. Sophomore Kirsten Catloth, sophomore Sarah Seig and freshman Geri Siudzinski were also credited with two shots each in a losing effort. Despite finishing with a four-shot advantage, the Midnight Blue & Gold was unable to put the ball in the back of the net and was blanked for the third time this season.

Toledo’s Tiongson went the distance between the posts for a second consecutive match and did not record a save.

The Rockets return to action on Sunday, Sept. 9 when they wrap up the two-match classic with a contest against the nationally ranked host Cardinals. The opening whistle is slated for 2:30 p.m.

"Now we play the No. 12 team in the country and look for the spirit within each of us that made this program strong," Evans said.

Samford 1, TOLEDO 0 (2OT)

SU: K. Blanton (J. Johnson), 107:03

SHOTS: UT 12, SU 8
CORNER KICKS: UT 3, SU 6
SAVES: UT 0, SU 3
FOULS: UT 17, SU 15