Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Samford's Kaley Blanton scored in the eighth minute of double overtime Friday to propel the Bulldogs' soccer team to a thrilling 1-0 victory over the Toledo Rockets in the opening match of the 2012 Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport Cardinal Classic being hosted by the University of Louisville.
 
Blanton's golden goal was scored at exactly 7:03 in the double-overtime period and lifted Samford (2-3) to its second straight victory. On Sunday, the Bulldogs' earned a 3-1 home triumph against cross-town rival UAB to begin their winning streak.
 
On Blanton's game-winning score, Samford's senior forward from Mandeville, La., sprinted quickly down the right side of the field. Using her blazing speed, Blanton ran past a pair of Toledo (2-4) defenders and gathered a pass from junior Jordan Johnson. She then shifted towards the middle of the field and rifled off a shot that beat the Rockets' goalkeeper just inside the post.
 
Blanton's goal was her first of the season, while Johnson's assist was her second in as many matches.
 
Samford true freshman goalkeeper Jessica Perry tallied her first career shutout Friday and finished the match with three key saves. The Bulldogs' highly-touted native of Webster Groves, Mo., made her third start of the season.
 
With Friday's loss, Toledo suffered its second one-goal loss of the season. On Aug. 19, the Rockets dropped a 2-1 home decision versus Belmont.
 
Toledo finished the match with 12 shot attempts, while the Bulldogs registered eight. Samford out-tallied the Rockets in corner kicks, 6-3, and were paced offensively by Blanton's two shot attempts. The Bulldogs' McKenzie Thomas, Brittany Hoffman, Joy Grove, Trine Taule, Lindsey Hanson and Johnson also rattled off shots against Toledo.
 
The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Sunday at 11 a.m. (CDT) as the Bulldogs square off against the Kentucky Wildcats in another key non-conference matchup. Kentucky will mark Samford's fourth Southeastern Conference opponent this season after also facing Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn to open the 2012 campaign.