KALAMAZOO, MI - Erin Flynn's second goal of the match in the 103rd minute propelled Toledo to a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Western Michigan on Friday in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams. With the extra-period win at the WMU Soccer Complex, the Rockets improve to 5-3-1 overall, 1-0-0 in the league.
"This is a good MAC-opening win for us," Toledo Head Coach Brad Evans said. "Anytime you can go on the road and get three points is huge."
Two-plus minutes into the second overtime period, Toledo was awarded its eighth corner kick of the match. UT sophomore Ana Reynolds put the ball into play inside the WMU goal box but her kick was a little short. A Broncos' defender tried to clear it out of danger but was unsuccessful, allowing Flynn to head it into the back of the net for the match winner at 102:58. One of the best teams in the league in restarts, the Rockets finished with a decisive 8-1 edge in corner kicks.
The junior co-captain also scored off a free kick in the first half on an assist from two-time MAC Player of the Year Molly Cornwell at 20:01. Cornwell crossed the ball into the goal box where WMU netminder Julia Francy tried to snag it out of the air, but the cross was too high. The ball sailed past Francy and directly to Flynn, who redirected it into the goal to give the visitors the early edge.
The three-time defending MAC tourney champions held the lead until the 67th minute when WMU's (3-4-1, 0-1-0 MAC) Megan Matula scored off a corner kick. Teammate Caitlin Henderson put the ball into the box and both teams fought for possession. Matula was able to maneuver herself in between a couple UT defenders and place the ball in the net for the equalizer at 66:58.
The score would remain tied for the duration of regulation and the first sudden-death overtime period, before Flynn's match winner sealed the victory for the Rockets.
Between the posts for the Midnight Blue and Gold, sophomore Vicki Traven went the distance and was credited with four saves, earning her fifth win of the season.
"It is great to get first win of the MAC under the belts," Flynn said. "I'm so happy for my teammates. We battled hard and never gave up."
The Rockets return to action on Sunday, Sept. 27 when they travel to DeKalb, IL to battle Northern Illinois. The opening whistle from the NIU Track & Field/Soccer Complex is slated for 1:00 p.m.
TOLEDO 2, Western Michigan 1 (2OT)
UT: E. Flynn (M. Cornwell), 20:01
WMU: M. Matula (C. Henderson), 66:58
UT: E. Flynn (A. Reynolds), 102:58
SHOTS: UT 10, WMU 13
CORNER KICKS: UT 8, WMU 1
SAVES: UT 4, WMU 3
FOULS: UT 14, WMU 8
