Eastern Michigan women beat Toledo

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com)- The Eastern Michigan’s soccer team won two battles Friday afternoon, one against its Mid-American Conference rival Toledo, 2-1, and the other by overcoming the elements of 90 minutes of steady rain and poor field conditions at Scicluna Field.

Maggie Christensen’s first goal of the season was the biggest one for the Green and White. Her header in the 74th minute was the difference maker and snapped a four-game losing skid while leap-frogging the Eagles past the Rockets in the MAC standings.

What made the win even more impressive was that EMU was forced to play from behind after Toledo’s Heather Wesley cleaned up a rebound off a saved shot by Molly Cornwell in the 26th minute. It wasn’t until the 66th minute when the Eagles finally got on the board.

Julie Kaim netted her first goal of the year and the equalizer Friday. It came off a reset from a botched corner kick attempt for the Eagles. After gathering the ball on the left side, the sophomore took one step towards the middle of the field and fired a shot past the keeper inside the right post.

The goal not only evened the score, but gave the Eagles confidence with plenty of time to seek the game-winner and that’s exactly what Christensen gave them. The junior, who missed all of last year due to an injury, co-led the team in goals with six back in 2007. Her score Friday came off a well-placed cross by Carissa Wilson.

Maggie Manville came up huge in the 85th minute when the Rockets bombarded her with three consecutive shots only to deny them each opportunity. The junior pushed her record to 5-1-3 on the year and the Eagles to sole possession of second place in the conference.

Eastern will host Bowling Green this Sunday which will also be recognized as Senior Day at Scicluna Field. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.