University of Toledo
Youngstown State
Toledo Blanks Youngstown State in Non-Conference Action, 7-0
10/17/2003 12:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
TOLEDO, OH - Toledo shook off a sluggish start by erupting for a season high in goals before using its depth to wear down Youngstown State, as the Rockets posted a 7-0 victory over the Penguins in non-conference action at chilly Scott Park.
With the victory, the Rockets snap their four-game losing streak and improve to 6-9-0 overall, while the loss drops the Penguins to 1-12-0 on the season.
"I thought our kids played good today, especially in the second half," Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans. "In the first half, I thought we came out flat and that was a big point of emphasis at halftime. After the intermission, we played sharper and had better touches on the ball, which was our objective. It is always good to get yourself into the right frame of mind and get a little confidence rolling into your next game."
Toledo sophomore Jessica Kluesener scored two goals to help lead the Rockets to victory. Kluesener scored her first goal of the contest at 7:29 off an assist from senior Melissa Lesage and added her second goal at 47:23 off a pass from junior midfielder Rebecca Hollis.
UT tallied other goals before halftime at 27:59 by Lesage from sophomore Kelly Langenbeck and at 36:54 on an unassisted score by senior Ellie Sullivan.
In the second half, Toledo received goals from Hollis, Kluesener, junior Robin Davidson and senior Sara Gardqvist to close out the scoring.
The Rockets outshot the Penguins, 24-3, and outcornered YSU, 4-0. Freshman Tracey Lehman and sophomore Gina Muratori combined to record one save for the Midnight Blue and Gold en route to earning UT's fourth shutout of the season. Lehman and Muratori are on loan to the soccer team from the Toledo softball team, after UT's two regular goalkeepers, Molly Patterson and Jen Whipple, were lost to season-ending injuries.
"Gina didn't have as much work in the second half as Tracey did in the first, but Tracey came out on a couple of crosses and went up strong in some traffic and got the ball, so I was pleased," Evans said. "That is the all we can ask of them. As a defense, we need to try to make things as simply as we can and try to protect them."
Toledo will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 19 to battle Buffalo is its final home contest of the regular season. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. at Scott Park. Sunday's game with the Bulls is also "Senior Day" for three distinguished players who will be appearing in their final home game. That list includes Sara Gardqvist, Melissa Lesage and Ellie Sullivan.
TOLEDO 7, Youngstown State 0
UT: J. Kluesener (Lesage), 7:29
UT: M. Lesage (Langenbeck), 27:59
UT: E. Sullivan (Unassisted), 36:54
UT: R. Hollis (Unassisted), 45:55
UT: J. Kluesener (Hollis), 47:23
UT: R. Davidson (Zembower), 50:18
UT: S. Gardqvist (Hazenfield), 84:52
Shots: UT 24, YSU 3
Saves: UT 1, YSU 4
Corner Kicks: UT 4, YSU 0
Fouls: UT 10, YSU 12
