TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Rockets women's soccer team will embark on its 2021 season this week, opening the regular season on the road against Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Cincinnati on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Rockets enter the 2021 season with a talented and deep roster, providing ample depth that will lead to increased competition for playing time. 

"I think we're going to be more balanced as a group," Head Coach T.J. Buchholz said. "Several young players made key contributions for us last spring and that provides us a lot of confidence. They were thrown into the fire after we were battered by injuries, especially from a defensive standpoint. They had to step up and did a great job. Our hope now is that with more stability on our back line we will see more possession time offensively that will result in more scoring opportunities."

Mastering The Mastodons
Purdue Fort Wayne will enter Thursday's game having hosted two exhibitions against Indiana State and Goshen. The Mastodons won both contests, topping the Sycamores 2-1 before gaining a 6-0 victory over the Maple Leafs. Both Bella Reitano and Kelsey Gallagher had a pair of goals in the win against Goshen. Purdue Fort Wayne concluded with a 3-5-1 record in 2020, going 0-2-1 over its final three matchups. The game against the Rockets will be the first of three straight home games for the Mastodons.

Battling The Bearcats 
Before hosting the Rockets, Cincinnati will travel to Northern Kentucky in the Riverboat Rivalry. Cincinnati hosted two exhibition games this fall after going 5-5-1 during the shortened Spring 2021 season. The Bearcats lead the series with Toledo, 2-0-0, with the last matchup going to overtime in 2003.

Foundation For The Future 
The shortened 2020-21 spring campaign saw a Toledo Rocket named to the MAC All-Freshman team for the fourth consecutive season. Ellie Pool joined the list, following the lead of current teammates Stephanie "Stitch" Currie in 2019 and Ashton Cassel in 2018; former Rocket Madison Perrin earned the honor in 2017. Starting all seven games, Pool was able to log a goal and two assists for the Rockets, tying for the team lead in total points.  

Stitching Together Strong Seasons
After being named to the MAC All-Freshman team following the 2019 season when she led the Rockets in goals and points, Stephanie "Stitch" Currie followed up with another strong season in the spring. Over the seven games played by Toledo, Currie tallied two goals for four points, both tied for the team lead. Currie was also able to score the game-winning goal in Toledo's win during the spring season.

Experience In Goal
Toledo will enter the season with two experienced goalkeepers on the roster. Last year, Emma Boutorwick started all seven games for the Rockets, logging a shutout and maintaining a 1.65 goals against average. Adrianna Brewer will also return after starting 10 games during the 2019 season, tallying three shutouts and registering a 1.39 goals against average. The Rockets also added freshman Karson Hill to the mix who reached the district finals each season in high school.

Follow the Rockets
Be sure to follow the Rockets soccer team on social media
Twitter - @ToledoRockets and @ToledoSoccer
Instagram - 'utrockets' and 'toledosoccer'
Facebook - 'Toledo Rockets' and 'Toledo Soccer'