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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio women's soccer fell to on the road to Ohio State on Thursday (Sept. 7) by a score of 4-1. 

The game began with energetic starts from both sides. Sophomore Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio) provided the Bobcats with their first spark, collecting the ball with pace down the left side before providing a dangerous cross into the box. The Buckeyes were able to clear the ball and create a chance on the other side, but the Ohio State shot missed to the left of sophomore goalkeeper Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio). 

After a quiet stretch from both teams, the Buckeyes presented the first true chance of the match. Ohio State collected the ball in front of the net and struck the ball from just to the left of the penalty spot. Sloma, who has been a standout player for the Bobcats so far this season, dove down to her left making a spectacular save. The rebound deflected off the post, bounced around to another Buckeye who's shot was blocked and cleared by the defensive duo of junior Quintin Tostevin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and sophomore Maia Soulis (Sylvania, Ohio).

The Bobcats could only breathe for a moment. Ohio State continued the pressure collecting an Ohio clearance and driving the ball down the right wing. The Buckeyes crossed the ball in finding the head of an Ohio State forward. Her looping header floated over the head of Sloma into the back of the net, putting the Buckeyes up a goal with just over 25 minutes left in the half. 

Ohio continued to struggle offensively for much of the first half. Ohio State's defense consistently pushed away the Bobcats offensive threats. The Buckeyes threatened again with a chance down the right side. A perfect through ball created a one-on-one opportunity, but Sloma was able to cut down the angle and force the shot wide. Another long shot was put on frame by Ohio State, but Sloma collected limiting the chance to just that. 

The first half ended with the Buckeyes up 1-0. The Bobcats were limited offensively, accumulating just two shots and none on goal. On the other side, Ohio State created a plethora of chances. The Buckeyes had 14 shots with five on goal. Sloma was able to keep the Bobcats in the game after recording four saves and forcing multiple attempts wide. 

Ohio started the second half with much more offensive pressure. Junior Scout Murray (Chicago, Ill.) pushed the ball forward but it was knocked away by Ohio State. The ball fell to senior Shae Robertson (Lexington, Ky.) right in front of the goal. Her shot passed through the Buckeye keeper finding the back of the net. While Ohio celebrated, the referee talked with the assistant referee and ultimately ruled the goal offside. 

The Bobcats would not let the disallowed goal slow them down. Ohio continued the offensive pressure. Freshman Jaimason Brooker (Powell, Ohio) found the ball on the right wing and rolled a shot towards net but unfortunately for Brooker and the Bobcats, it was an easy save. 

Brooker continued to press forward, cutting in from the right wing. As she moved to the left, an outstretched Buckeye leg took her down and the referee signaled for a penalty. Robertson stepped up to the spot for the Bobcats. Taking her time, she delivered the ball into the right side of the net scoring Ohio's first penalty of the season. 

Robertson's goal served as the equalizer, but only for a moment. The Buckeyes came back down the field and drew a penalty of their own. The penalty, which came from a handball, was enough to put Ohio State ahead. The Buckeyes did not stop there. After Sloma made another outstanding save, Ohio State collected the rebound and put tallied another goal just past the arms of Sloma. The goal put the Buckeyes ahead by a score of 3-1 with just under 30 minutes to play. 

Despite the two goal deficit, the Bobcats continued to put their foot forward. Putting cross after cross into the box, Ohio was unable to find the end of it. Ohio State responded with a counter-attack down the left wing. A cross came across the face of Ohio's goal before finding the head of a streaking Buckeye. Her header slipped past Sloma, making the score 4-1. 

The game ended with the same score of 4-1. The Buckeyes offense was potent throughout the game and while the Bobcats presented a much more aggressive second half effort, it was not enough. Ohio accumulated 12 total shots and seven on goal. On the other end, Ohio State totaled 24 shots with 11 on goal. Sloma finished the game with seven saves, her season high. 

Up Next: 
Ohio will look to bounce back to James Madison on Sunday, Sept. 10. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. in Harrisonburg, Virginia. 

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