DEKALB, IL – Toledo dropped its Mid-American Conference opener at Northern Illinois (2-6-0, 1-0-0) by a score of 2-0 on Friday under the lights at the NIU Soccer Complex. With the setback, the Rockets fall to 4-6-0 overall, 0-1-0 in the conference.

The Huskies (2-6-0, 1-0-0 MAC) found the back of the net twice in the second half to defend their home turf, as Lauren Gierman notched both markers in the 62nd and 72nd minute of the match, respectively.

"Northern Illinois played a great contest tonight," first-year head coach TJ Buchholz said. "They took great advantage of the opportunities they were given."

Coming off two straight shutouts, senior keeper Sam Tiongson continued her strong form early in the contest by making two athletic saves within the first 25 minutes of play to keep the match scoreless. Toledo was able to push forward late in the first half and sophomore Isa Echeverri ripped two shots on goal, but both were saved by NIU neminder Mackenzie Lee.

"We're generating opportunities," Buchholz said. "We're getting good looks at goal, but we just need to put them away. If we continue to create chances, we'll find the back of the net."

The pressure from Toledo carried over to the second half. Freshman Italia Biondi ripped a shot on goal in the second minute of the period that was also taken in by Lee. UT outshot NIU, 7-4, during the league opener for both teams. NIU's Gierman found the back of the net on two occasions afer the intermission, both coming from direct kicks from at least 50 yards out. 

Toledo returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 27 when it battles Western Michigan at 1:00 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex.

Northern Illinois 2, TOLEDO 0

NIU: Lauren Gierman (Unassisted), 61:19
NIU: Lauren Gierman (Unassisted), 71:12