BUFFALO, New York – The Ohio women's soccer team (3-4-2) won their first game in Mid-American Conference play by beating Buffalo (4-2-3) 1-0 this afternoon (Sept. 24). The Bobcats' win was Buffalo's conference loss since 2021. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio) faced the first action of the game for the Bobcats. In quick succession, the sophomore faced two challenging shots that threatened the Bobcats. However, she was able to keep them out and maintain the 0-0 score. 

With 20 minutes left in the half, senior Carsyn Prigge (Lexington, Ky.) played a cutting ball through the Buffalo back line. The pass found sophomore Ella Deevers (Streetsboro, Ohio) on the back side of the box. She took a touch and powered the ball towards frame but it just went wide of the post, hitting the side of the net. A moment later, senior Shae Robertson (Lexington, Ky.) collected the ball near the top of the box. Her shot appeared to have a chance on net until it was deflected by a Bull defender and collected by the goalkeeper. 

In the 28th minute, the Bobcats made a push forward. Sophomore Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio) connected with senior Aubrey Rea (Akron, Ohio) in the midfield, a pass right back to Pruss led the sophomore down the left wing. Pruss took a touch and crossed the ball on the ground toward the front of net. A run made by sophomore Scout Murray (Chicago, Ill.) cleared the way for Robertson, who put the ball in the back of the net. The goal gave the Bobcats an advantage. It was Robertson's second goal of the season and the first scored by the Bobcats in Mid-American Conference play. 

The Bobcats were able to take the 1-0 lead into the half after a balanced first half. Sloma was strong in net while up front, the Bobcats had been able to string passes together and generate offensive opportunities than in recent games. 

The Bulls came out of the half-time break looking for an equalizer. Their first chance came off of a corner. The ball was whipped in to the box towards a crowd of Bobcats and Bulls. As the ball approached, Sloma navigated through traffic and parried the ball away. The rebound fell to a Buffalo attacker who shot it, just missing over the bar. 

Freshman Anna Burchett (Prestonburg, Ky.) looked to notch the first goal of her career in the 68th minute. The freshman gathered the ball on the left side of the box. Her right-footed shot curled towards the bottom right corner, but a diving save denied her. 

As the clock started to tick down, the Bulls picked up the pressure. Attacking down the wings, Buffalo was desperate for an equalizer. Another corner kick led to another shot on goal for the Bulls, but Sloma was able to make an easy save. 

While Ohio tried their best to slow the game down and get to the 90-minute mark, Buffalo created one last opportunity. In the last minute, the Bulls came down the right side of the field. Cutting into the box they approached the net. A last ditch effort led to a collision, and the referee signaled to the spot. A penalty had been awarded. 

Sloma stood in the middle of the net. With just 45 seconds left, this would ultimately be the last scoring opportunity for either side. The Bulls penalty taker ran towards the ball and shot. Sloma fell towards the right and while the ball was headed towards the middle of the net, she reached back to her left to make an incredible save. The deflection trickled towards the goal but Sloma was able to dive on it before it crossed over. 

The Bobcats jumped up and celebrated. They ran towards Sloma to celebrate their keeper and as the clock came to zeroes, Ohio had won their first conference game of the year. 

The game was a balanced effort from both teams. Ohio had eight shots with four on goal while Buffalo had 12 with seven on frame. The Bulls had two corners compared to just one for Bobcats. 

Ultimately, it was Sloma who led the way for Ohio. Her seven saves tied a season high and picked up the fourth clean sheet of the season; first since a 0-0 result against Northern Kentucky (Sept. 3). 

Up Next: 
The Bobcats will head to DeKalb, Ill. to take on Northern Illinois. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 28. 

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