FOLLOW OHIO SOCCER: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio soccer team (5-7-5) took down Eastern Michigan (1-11-2) today at Chessa Field. Senior Aubrey Rea's (Akron, Ohio) curling shot proved to be the difference for the Bobcats with the final score being 1-0.
Ohio started the game with sophomore Scout Murray (Chicago, Ill.) creating chances up front. Her left-footed shot was targeting the top left corner before being pushed away by the diving goalkeeper.
Ohio continued to push forward offensively. The Bobcat wing-backs, sophomores Ella Deevers (Streetsboro, Ohio) and Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio), were causing havoc down the wings. Their crosses created opportunities for Ohio, but the Bobcats fell just short in front of goal.
Sophomore Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio) continued her strong season by making a handful of saves to keep the Eagles scoreless. Ohio and Eastern Michigan entered the halftime break tied 0-0.
The Bobcats emerged from the break looking to take the advantage. They found it in the 52nd minute from Rea. The senior collected the ball just beyond the 18-yard box. She moved the ball to her right foot and wrapped a shot into the top right corner. The goal, Rea's first of the season and fifth of her career, put Ohio up 1-0.
Rea and Murray continued to spark chances for Ohio. The Bobcats fired shots left and right at the Eastern Michigan goal, but were unable to find the back of the net. Sophomore Eve Berish (Hudson, Ohio) and freshman Jaimason Brooker (Powell, Ohio) joined in on the action, adding a few shots of their own.
With just under two minutes, the Eagles created their first scoring opportunity of the second half. After cutting it onto her left foot, the Eastern Michigan forward fired a shot that looked to be the equalizer. However, the "Duchess of Denial" was able to make an incredible diving save to preserve the Bobcat advantage. Sloma finished with four saves in her clean sheet performance.
After a pair of Eastern Michigan yellow cards the final whistle blew and the Bobcats picked up their fifth win of the season.
Ohio was dominant moving forward, picking up 30 shots, 14 on target, and eight corner kicks. The Eagles had 11 shots, five of which were on target, and three corner kicks.
Up Next:
Ohio will wrap up the regular season with a clash against Akron. The game will kick off at 3:00 p.m. at Chessa Field on Thursday, October 26th.
#OUohyeah
