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ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio soccer team moved to 3-0-0 on the season Thursday (Sept. 2), with a 1-0 victory over the Navy Midshipmen (3-1-1). It was the third consecutive shutout for goalkeeper Sam Wexell and the Bobcats defense, with Daelynn Rosser scoring the lone goal of the contest. 

Ohio and Navy battled back and forth for the majority of the first half, with both teams creating chances for their offensive attack in the early going. The Bobcats recorded seven shots in the first frame, and Navy took four shot attempts. Rosser slotted home the game's lone goal in the 39th minute, taking advantage of a Navy defensive miscue in their defensive third. It was Rosser's first goal of the season. In the second half, Navy went on the offensive, tallying six corner kicks and taking nine shots, but with only two of those nine shots being on goal, the Bobcats continued to hold the lead. Ohio countered Navy's pressure well, taking 11 shots of their own and putting seven of them on goal.

For the Ohio defense, it was much of the same from the first two games. A strong backline consisting of Paige Knorr, Olivia Sensky, Olivia Darrow, and Ella Bianco helped turn away most Navy attacks. When the Midshipmen did create an opportunity to score, Wexell continued to be the consistent presence in net that the Bobcats have gotten used to. Wexell has logged all 270 minutes in goal for the Bobcats this season, has yet to allow a goal, and has made 10 total saves. 

"We have a lot of senior leadership back there," head coach Aaron Rodgers explained after the game. "It's a lot of experience. They've done really, really, well and deserve and earned these shutouts." 

The Bobcats have started the season 3-0-0 for the first time since their 2019 campaign, and have become the first team in program history to start undefeated through three games without allowing a goal. 

Up Next:

Ohio hits the road for their next game, as they travel to take on Eastern Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 5. Kickoff in Richmond, Ky. is scheduled for 1 p.m.