FOLLOW OHIO SOCCER: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The defending Mid-American Conference Champion Ohio soccer team (0-0-1) opened the 2024 season on Thursday night (Aug. 15), battling Butler (0-0-1) to a 1-1 draw. 

Overall, Butler outshot Ohio, 16-9, with eight shots on goal to the Bobcats' five. Ohio keepers recording seven saves, while Butler attempted seven corner kicks. 

Individually, junior Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio) led Ohio with a goal on two shots on goal. Graduate student Isabella Ginocchi (Powell, Ohio) added two shots, with one on goal, while freshmen Anna Burchett (Prestonburg, Ky.) and Iro Fakinou (Athens, Greece) both added one shot with one on goal. 

In net, junior Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio) got the start and did not allow a goal in 45 minutes, while making seven saves. Graduate student Molly Piso (Hermitage, Pa.) entered goal in the second half and finished off the final 45 minutes, allowing one goal while making three saves,  

Ohio opened with a dominant possession during the first few minutes of the game, followed by an attempt on goal by Ginocchi at the bottom center of the net, which was saved by Butler goalie, Anna Pierce. 

Ohio and Butler continue to battle it out for possession over the next several minutes. After back to back fouls were called, one against the Bobcats and one in favor of Ohio, Butler took over in the offensive end.  However the Bobcats came back strong, with Ginocchi firing off another attempt, however this one would land just off target. The Bobcats and Bulldogs continued to battle it out over the remainder of the half, sending the game to the break with the score knotted at 0-0. 

At the break, Butler outshot Ohio, 8-3, with the Bobcats recording three first-half saves. 

The Bobcats opened the second half on fire, recording three attempts over the first 10 minutes of the period. That pressure paid off, and in the 57th minute, Pruss got the Bobcats on the board, an attempt finding the back of the next, giving Ohio a 1-0 .

Butler found the equalizer just three minutes later, tying the match at 1-1. The Bulldogs offense continued to pressure the Bobcats in the offensive end over the next ten minutes. The Bobcats and Bulldogs continued to battle it out, with Burchett registering an attempt in the 86th minute, with Butler recording the save. The save proved to be the deciding factor in the match, as both teams were unable to generate any scoring, securing the 1-1 draw to open the season 

The Bobcats return to action on Tuesday, Aug. 20 when they head to Highland Heights, Ky. to take on Northern Kentucky. First touch is set for 7 p.m.

#OUohyeah