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ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio soccer team (5-1-2, 0-0-1 MAC) kicked off Mid-American Conference play at home against Western Michigan (3-1-4, 0-0-1 MAC) on Thursday (Sept. 19), batteling the Broncos to a 1-1 draw at Chessa Field.
Western Michigan outshot Ohio, 11-8, while the Bobcats managed four shots on goal compared to the Broncos' two. Ohio's goalkeeper, junior Celeste Sloma (Columbus, Ohio), made one save, while the team earned five corner kicks throughout the match.
Individually, sophomore Jaimason Brooker (Powell, Ohio) recorded the Bobcats' lone goal. Additionally, sophomore Anna Burchett (Prestonsburg, Ky.), junior Rayann Pruss (Perrysburg, Ohio), and freshman Iro Fakinou (Athens, Greece) each contributed one shot on goal.
In the first half, Ohio and WMU battled for possession, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. The defenses held strong until the 37th minute when Burchett took the first shot on goal for Ohio, but Bronco goalkeeper Lauren Boafo made the save, keeping the score 0-0 entering halftime.
At the break, Western Michigan outshot Ohio 4-3, with the Bobcats recording one shot on goal.
As the second half unfolded, both teams continued to vie for possession, displaying strong rhythm. In the 54th minute, Brooker seized an opportunity, scoring the game's first goal and putting Ohio ahead 1-0. Approximately twenty minutes later, Pruss attempted to extend the lead, but the Western Michigan goalkeeper made an impressive save to keep the score at 1-0.
The Broncos netted the equalizer in the 81st minute, tying the match 1-1 with under 10 minutes to go. Both teams kept battling down the stretch, with WMU putting the pressure on the Ohio defense as the remaining minutes ticked by. Both the defense and Sloma were able to keep the ball out of the net, helping secure the 1-1 tie.
Ohio will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 22 when the Bobcats head to DeKalb, Ill. to take on Northern Illinois. First touch is set for 2 p.m. ET.
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