TOWSON, Md.—After battling the Retrievers to a scoreless draw for 87 minutes, host Towson (3-2-0) finally cracked the scoreboard and held on for a 1-0 victory over the UMBC women's soccer team (0-4-0) Sunday afternoon in the Tigers' home opener at the Towson Center Soccer Complex.
Towson controlled the offense for most of the first half and held a 12-3 advantage in shots at the intermission. UMBC sophomore goalie Mo Van Vlerah (Ijamsville, Md./Northwest) made five saves in the opening frame, including a diving save in the eight minute to preserve the scoreless tie.
The Tigers had an opportunity in the 50th minute, but Van Vlerah made another nice save on a shot by midfielder Danielle Rosanova. Then with 22:30 remaining in regulation, forward Erica Marshall's attempt hit the far goal post.
The Retrievers had their best chance of the game in the 78th minute, when freshman midfielder Katie Gitlin (Owings, Md./Northern) took a shot which was stopped by Towson keeper Jocelyn Papciak.
Finally, with three minutes remaining in regulation, Marshall took a crossing pass from forward Phyllicia Rosselli and scored on a quick shot past Van Vlerah for the game-winner.
UMBC had one last chance in the waning seconds, but senior back Katie McKay's (Baltimore, Md./Eastern Tech) header off a corner kick went wide.
Van Vlerah was again stellar in goal, recording a season-high seven saves for the second straight game. Papciak stopped three shots for Towson.
The Tigers outshot the Retrievers, 18-9, and held an 8-4 advantage on corner kicks.
The Retrievers now have nearly two weeks off before returning to action on Friday, Sept. 18, when they host regional rival George Washington in their home opener.
