EMMITSBURG, Md. – After a lightning delay caused a nearly hour delay to the start of the 2026 Towson University women's soccer season, the Tigers came away with a 2-0 win over the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers on Monday in Emmitsburg.
"It was great to finally play our first game of the 2026 season. Good to come out with a W and a shutout, as well as generating 22 shots. We have a lot to work on with timing of runs and service. I thought that
Sofia Rosenblatt had a great game both defensively and offensively. Our defense held the Mount to two shots —a great start to the season," head coach
Katherine Vettori said.
Towson (1-0-0) scored both of their goals in the first half. The first came from a penalty kick by
Kale'a Perry. The second came from a ball slotted into the lower 90 from well outside the 18-yard box by
Meron Koro.
The Tigers move to 22-3-0 all-time against the Mount (0-2-0) while Vettori remains perfect against the Mountaineers at 6-0-0.
Key Stats
- The Tigers outshot the Mountaineers 22-2. The Mount only got off one shot in either half.
- Four field players played the full 90 minutes in Sydney Lindeman, Perry, Brooke Birrell and Sofia Rosenblatt.
- Perry, Koro and Sophie Thibeault registered 13 of Towson's 22 shots.
- Cassidy Nichols from Mount St. Mary's was the only Mountaineer to register a shot on target.
Key Moments
- 6' Towson Goal – The persistent offensive pressure in the early going led to the first Tiger goal. Riley Matthews beat her defender on the right wing and crossed it into the top of the 18-yard box. Emma Levin got to the ball and was tripped from behind. The penalty kick was awarded, which Perry took with confidence, sending the keeper the other way for the easy finish.
- 18' Towson Goal – Koro scored her first collegiate goal after receiving a pass from Jaelyn White about 30 yards from goal. The clever midfielder made quick work of her defender with a few quick dribbles to provide her with enough space 25 yards away from the net. The freshman then slotted the ball into the lower 90, just outside the outstretched goal keeper's hand for the second Towson goal.
- 58' Towson Save – In the only test Towson goalie Teagan Gardner had all game, the redshirt junior keeper handled a set piece kicked into the box for the save.
- 60' Mount St. Mary's Save – The best opportunity for Towson came when Perry got about eight yards out and fired a shot towards the net with incredible pace that the goal keeper was able to corral.
Inside the Numbers
- Matthews earned her first collegiate start after playing as a reserve during her freshman season. The speedy attacker has moved from a more central attacking role last season to the starting winger opposite Perry.
- Two Tigers passed minute milestones. Birrell surpassed 3,000 career minutes while Sydney Feiler surpassed 1,000 career minutes.
- Last season, Towson peppered the net to the tune of 29 shots, which was the season high. Today, the Tigers recorded 22 shots which would have been tied for the third most last season.
- Gardner has her second straight clean sheet. She has not conceded a goal in 194:39.
Next Game
- Towson travels north to the Big Apple to face Saint John's in another 4 p.m. tilt. The Tigers face the Red Storm on Thursday, Aug. 20.
- The Tigers have their home opener on Sunday, Aug. 23 against George Washington. Admission to all matches at Tiger Field is free.
