The Bobcats’ offense continues to struggle after losing 2-0 to Richmond and 5-0 to Liberty.
Coach Neil Macmillan and the Bobcats said they wanted to put the ball in the back of the net this weekend, but that wish was never fulfilled.
After losing 2-0 to Richmond on Sunday, Ohio now has gone 310 minutes without scoring a goal during regulation.
Against Richmond (6-4), Ohio was outshot 25-3. Senior goalie Brittany Walker tallied eight saves against the Spiders, but the offense only produced three corners. Richmond scored its two goals in the last 18 minutes.
The offensive drought has put pressure on Walker and the defense, as the Bobcats have struggled to keep the ball in the opposition’s circle. During Ohio’s 5-0 loss to Liberty on Friday, the Bobcats (2-6) were outshot 28-2, with their only shots came from redshirt senior Lauryl Desch and freshman Cassie Rich.
“We were outplayed in all facets of the game today. Liberty is a good team, and, unfortunately, we only matched their level and ability for very small periods of the play,” Macmillan said. “They played an outstanding game, beat us to the ball and showed greater desire and hustle than we did. It's disappointing that we did not live up to the standards that we've set for ourselves."
After defeating Ohio State and Longwood at home, the Bobcats have been outscored 8-0 and outshot 64-11 in the past three games. In terms of corners, Ohio has produced only nine in comparison to its opposition’s 31.
For some of Ohio’s backline, veterans like Desch and juniors Clarissa Leickly and Adele Sammons have kept opponents honest.
Despite allowing five goals, the trio gave a valiant effort to push the ball past the midfield line and start attacks.
“The area of biggest concern is conceding shots and creating shots,” Macmillan said. “We didn’t create enough to win (against Richmond), and we gave up too many to stay in the game. Britt was outstanding in the back, but we can’t lean on her for 70 minutes without doing something at the other end of the field.”
Macmillan said Ohio played two really good teams this weekend as the defense has been resolute this year.
‘Most teams we’ve played, we’ve been right with them,” Macmillan said. “They are well organized and do a good job containing the opposition. I think it’s an aberration to give up the amount of shots we did today.”
Despite the two losses, Ohio is still atop of the Mid-American Conference standings as its 1-0 MAC record is tied with Miami.
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