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ATHENS, Ohio --  The Ohio soccer team (8-3-1, 4-0-1) continued their successful play on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 7), as they defeated Western Michigan (3-9-1, 1-4-0) by a score of 3-1 at Chessa Field. Abby Townsend, Julianna Farina, and Shae Robertson were the goalscorers for the Bobcats.

The game started quickly, as Townsend slotted home a shot from almost 25 yards out in the 5th minute of play. It was Townsend's second goal of the season, and the assist from Isabella Ginocchi was her first on the season. Western Michigan was able to equalize later in the first half, as a goal in 33rd minute leveled the score at 1-1. It was the first goal that Sam Wexell had allowed in over 400 minutes of action, and just the second goal allowed by Ohio in conference play. The Bobcats took back the lead before the halftime break, as Farina and Sarina Dirrig worked together for Ohio's second goal of the half in the 42nd minute. The goal and assist were the first of the season for both Farina and Dirrig respectively. 

Ohio led the offensive charge statistically in the first half, as the Bobcats took 11 total shots compared to Western Michigan's five. Ohio also took four corner kicks in the first 45 minutes, and didn't concede a single corner to the Broncos.

In the second half, Ohio kept the pressure on offensively. While only one goal was scored, the Bobcats were presented with several more opportunities to score that just missed the mark. The lone goal in the final 45 minutes was courtesy of Robertson in the 78th minute, as Dirrig continued to make her presence felt on the stat sheet, tallying her second assist of the game. Robertson's goal was her fourth of the year. 

The second half statistics looked very similar to the first, as Ohio continued to find success both offensively and on the defensive side of the pitch. The Bobcats took nine more shots after the break, finishing the game with 20 total shots and eight on goal. The defense for Ohio held Western Michigan to just five shots in the second half, as the Broncos finished the contest with 10 total shots and seven on goal. Wexell finished the game with six total saves, a familiar stat for the senior goalkeeper. In the last three conference games (Bowling Green, Toledo, and Western Michigan), Wexell has recorded her season-high in saves (6). 

Up Next:

The Bobcats will go on the road for their next conference match. Ohio travels to take on Northern Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 10, with first touch scheduled for 3 p.m.

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