Sunday, September 07, 2003

The University of Toledo made two first half goals stand up as the Rockets defeated the Valparaiso University women's soccer team 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Eastgate Field.

The Rockets got on the scoreboard at the 11:24 mark on an own goal as a Valpo defender headed a shot into the net. The Crusaders put pressure on Toledo most of the first half, drawing eight corner kicks in the stanza and firing six shots, but were unable to score on Jen Whipple.

Toledo (1-3) then added a second goal at 33:01 as Lindsey Zembower lofted a free kick from 25 yards out over Crusader goalkeeper Danielle Guerra (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.), one of just two Rocket shots in the half.

In the second half, Valpo continued its pressure, firing 11 more shot, five on net at Toledo. Lorna Torrez (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes H.S.) scored the Crusaders lone goal at the 63:29 mark, banging home an Emily King (Colona, Ill./United Township H.S.) rebound after an Ashley Shaneyfelt (Roswell, Ga./Roswell H.S.) corner kick.

Valpo could not get any closer though, despite chances throughout the second half. Valpo outshot Toledo 17-10 for the match and Guerra made five saves in goal for the Crusaders. Whipple made five stops for the Rockets. Valpo (0-4) held a 10-0 advantage on corner kicks in the match.

Valparaiso will return to action next Sunday afternoon when the Brown and Gold travel to Indiana State for a 1 p.m. match.