HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Toledo continued its winning ways with a 2-0 shutout victory at Northern Kentucky (5-2-0) on Sunday in its non-conference finale at the NKU soccer complex. With the win, the Rockets stretch their winning streak to three-consecutive matches and improve to 4-5-0 on the season.
Senior keeper
Sam Tiongson recorded her second straight shutout, while junior
Kiersten Johnson and freshman
Italia Biondi each found the back of the net for Midnight Blue & Gold. First-year head coach
TJ Buchholz knows what a great keeper does for the squad.
"She's playing really well right now," Buchholz said. "Sam only had to do a few things today, but they were all very important."
Toledo fired a season-high 23 shots during the contest, including a season-best 13 in the first half. Biondi lit up the scoreboard first for the Rockets, as NKU netminder Brooke Schocker caught the rip, but fell back over the line with the ball in hand to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish.
The backline had another excellent match for UT and allowed only two shots on net during the non-conference contest.
"The entire backline is playing very well right now," Buchholz said. "Our defense has a ton of confidence right now and they are showing it on the pitch."
Johnson continued her solid form as of late with her third goal of the season in the second half. The Cincinnati native headed the ball to the back of the frame off of a great cross from senior
Geri Siudzinski.Â
"Everything has clicked for Kiersten on the offensive end as of late," Buchholz said. "Geri had a great ball into the box, and KJ found took advantage of the moment."
Toledo returns to the pitch next weekend to begin Mid-American Conference play at Northern Illinois on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Two later later, the Rockets will battle Western Michigan at 1:00 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex.
TOLEDO 2, Northern Kentucky 0UT:
Italia Biondi (Unassisted), 33:16
UT: Kierston Johnson (
Geri Siudzinski), 73:12
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