UT Battles WMU to 0-0 Double-OT Draw, 0-0

by Brian DeBenedictis

September 23, 2012

KALAMAZOO, MI - Toledo battled Western Michigan to a 0-0 double-overtime draw in Friday’s Mid-American Conference opener at the WMU Soccer Complex. With the extra-period tie, the Rockets’ record moves to 2-6-1 overall, 0-0-1 in the league.

"A point on the road is a real positive for us, as well as earning the shutout," said Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans, whose team is unbeaten in its last four league openers (3-0-1). "I thought Megan (Blake), Natalia (Gaitan) and Kelsey (Borowitz) did a nice job defensively. We’re making progress in some areas, including our midfield play. Our restarts and play on the final third can still get better, and we will continue to work on it."

The division rivals played to a scoreless finish for the first time in 18 all-time matchups, as each squad recorded 11 shots. Senior Rachael Kravitz, sophomore Sarah Seig and freshman Megan Connor had two shots each to pace the two-time reigning MAC regular-season champion Rockets. The last time UT played to a 0-0 double-overtime draw occurred against Big Ten member Minnesota on Sept. 12, 2010.

Today’s league opener was a physical battle between division foes, as Toledo finished with 16 fouls, third-highest total in 2012, while the Broncos (4-4-1, 0-0-1 MAC) were whistled for 13 fouls. UT senior Jaimie Morsillo received a yellow card in the double-overtime draw. The Rockets entered today’s showdown averaging 9.75 fouls per contest, the fifth-highest mark in the MAC.

Between the posts for the league-record four-time MAC tourney champs, sophomore Kelsey Borowitz went the distance to earn her first collegiate shutout, recording three saves.

"We really stayed focused defensively throughout the match and it showed by getting the shutout," Blake said. "It was good to see our midfielders dominate ball-winning in the air which helped get the offense going. However, we still have some things to improve on, including our attack in the final third in order to finish our chances and get the win."

The Rockets will return to action at home to battle Eastern Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 23. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from Scott Park. Sunday’s contest with the Eagles has been tabbed as "Bark at Scott Park."

TOLEDO 0, Western Michigan 0 (2OT)

SHOTS: UT 11, WMU 11
CORNER KICKS: UT 5, WMU 2
SAVES: UT 4, WMU 2
FOULS: UT 16, WMU 13