Eastern Michigan Athletics
Sunday, November 9
Toledo, Ohio
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
0
at
1
Toledo
Eagles Drop 1-0 Heartbreaker to Toledo in MAC Title Game
11/9/2008 4:13:03 PM | Soccer
UT scores with less than seven minutes remaining to win third consecutive title
TOLEDO, Ohio- The Eastern Michigan University soccer team lost a heartbreaker to the University of Toledo, 1-0, in the championship match of the Mid-American Conference Tournament, Sunday, Nov. 9 at Scott Park. The Eagles held the Rockets scoreless for 83 minutes before MAC Player of the Year Molly Cornwell found the back of the net to give the Rockets their third consecutive MAC title.
The Eagles end the year with a 13-5-5 record, marking the most wins in a season since the 2001 campaign.Entering the game, EMU had not allowed a goal during the tournament, defeating No. 6 seed Northern Illinois 2-0, Nov. 2 and beating Central Michigan by the same score, Nov. 7.
The Eagles started the game strong offensively, tallying three shots in the first eight minutes of the game. The best opportunity came just over five minutes into the contest, but Ashley Rodrigues’ (Pickering, Ont.-St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary) shot hit the crossbar, keeping the game scoreless.
The two teams hit the break at a scoreless draw, as both keepers were up to the challenge. EMU goalie Mona Budani (Whitby, Ont.-Sinclair Secondary) chalked up five first half saves, while her counterpart Vicki Traven made three saves.
EMU struggled offensively to start the second period, as it took 20 minutes for the Green and White to get a shot off. Deana Kinter (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc) took the first shot of the second half for the Eagles, but Traven made the save to keep the game scoreless.
The Eagle defense continued to stand its ground, not allowing the Rockets to put a goal on the board. Just when it looked like overtime was coming, Cornwell found the back of the net with 83:22 showing on the clock, putting the Rockets on top, 1-0.
EMU managed two more shots before time ran out but could not cash in, sealing the victory for the Rockets. For the game, Budani made eight saves in the backstop while allowing her first goal in three games.
With the loss, the Eagles conclude the 2008 season. Playing in their last game for EMU were seniors Jessica Lathrop (Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence North), Ashley Upton (Beavercreek, Ohio-Beavercreek) and Katie Zundel (Utica, Mich.-Henry Ford II).
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