CULLOWHEE, N.C. -- Ohio (4-3) wrapped up their nonconference schedule on Sunday (Sept. 19), dropping the match to Western Carolina (5-3-1), 3-0. The Bobcats will now turn their attention to their Mid-American Conference schedule starting Thursday (Sept. 24).
Ohio started the game quickly, producing several opportunities in the first half, putting pressure on the Catamounts defensive line. The Bobcats recorded 10 total shots in the first frame, including three shots on goal that were turned away by Western Carolina's goalkeeper. One sequence for the Bobcats saw several shots turned away via a defensive block, a goal save, and then a shot off the crossbar. Ohio experienced déjà vu less than two minutes later, as yet another shot clanged off the crossbar. There were two more additional saves by Western Carolina made in the 22nd and 26th minute of play. The remainder of the first frame saw Western Carolina make an offensive push, but the Bobcat defense held strong, sending the game into halftime with a score of 0-0.
Western Carolina started the second half on the attacking foot, logging six shots in a four minute window between the 48th and 52nd minute. The Catamounts were eventually able to score the game's first goal in the 61st minute. Western Carolina doubled their lead a quarter of an hour later, slotting home a shot in the 76th minute. Ohio's opportunity to cut the deficit in half was turned away just three minutes later, as
Abby Townsend's shot attempt was saved in the 79th minute. Western Carolina capped off their offensive push in the 87th minute, scoring the third and final goal of the contest.
"We played a good first half and created a few good chances that we need to finish off," head coach
Aaron Rodgers said after the game. "WCU came out in the 2nd half and played with intensity. They capitalized on a couple of mistakes we made and those are the differences in results. We've bounced back from games that we weren't our best in this season. I think we'll be able to take a lot out of our non-conference schedule that should really help us in MAC play."
The Bobcats were led statistically by Townsend and
Madison Clayton. Townsend led the team in total shots with four, while Townsend and Clayton tied for the lead for shots on goal with two a piece.
Up Next:
Ohio will return to Athens for their first conference game on Thursday (Sept. 23). The Bobcats will welcome the University at Buffalo to Chessa Field, with first touch scheduled for 4 p.m.
