CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio (4-2-0) returned to action on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 12), and defeated the Cleveland State Vikings (1-5-1), by a score of 3-1. The win snapped the Bobcats' brief two-game losing streak. Ohio's offensive attack was led by Isabella Ginocchi, Abby Townsend, and Haley Miller, with a goal scored by each of the three Bobcats. 

"Very happy with the response from our disappointing loss on Thursday," said head coach Aaron Rodgers. "Abby was back in the lineup and gave us an attacking spark. We defended very well for most of the game and scored three beautiful goals."

The game started quickly for both teams, as Ohio and Cleveland State took multiple shots within the first ten minutes of play. The Bobcats then put the Vikings' defense to the test, as Ohio proceeded to take 12 of the next 13 shots of the match, with Ginocchi's shot in the 39th minute finding the back of the net. The lone goal of the first half was Ginocchi's first in a Bobcats uniform. The first half ended with the score still at 1-0, as Ohio out-shot Cleveland State 14 to 3 and the Bobcats earning three corners compared to the Vikings' two. 

Following the break, the Ohio offense got the action started quickly. Townsend, making her return to the Ohio lineup, slotted home her first goal of the 2021 season in the 50th minute. Cleveland State responded less than ten minutes later, as a goal scored in the 59th minute cut the Bobcats' lead in half at 2-1. The final goal of the contest was scored by Miller off a free kick in the 72nd minute, making the score 3-1. It was Miller's first goal of the season. 

Sam Wexell continued to be a steady presence in net for the Bobcats, as she logged yet another complete game between the posts while only needing to make three saves. Defender Morgan Collica was the only other Bobcat that played all 90 minutes.

Overall, Ohio out-shot Cleveland State 25 to 10 with 11 shots on goal compared to the Vikings four. Ohio also held an advantage in corner kicks taken, with a total of six while limiting the Vikings to three. 

Up Next:

The Bobcats will stay on the road for their next match, as Ohio travels to Western Carolina for their next match. Ohio has the upcoming week off, with kickoff against the Catamounts scheduled for Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. in Cullowhee, N.C. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.