The Bobcats head to Detroit, then return home to play Cleveland State, set for two games this weekend.
Coach Aaron Rodgers and the Bobcats may face some pressure going into the weekend, as they’re playing two opponents unfamiliar to the Mid-American Conference.
But Rodgers won’t sway away from the same philosophy going into Ohio's first two-game weekend: being more mentally prepared for the weekend’s matches.
Ohio will travel to Detroit (0-1-0) on Friday before hosting Cleveland State (1-0-1) on Sunday for its first home game of the season.
Last season, the Bobcats came away with three points and three goals against the Titans.
This is a game that Rodgers hopes gets Ohio the confidence it needs to have a successful season.
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In both of the exhibition games Ohio played earlier in August, the Bobcats managed to outscore its opponents 3-1. The Bobcats want that same momentum to carry into Friday's game.
"To get our regular season off with a win will be fantastic," Rodgers said. "It's a game that if we do the right things, we will be successful in."
Some of those "right" things are getting the backline to sync better with each other and coming out ready to play right at the first whistle.
Pushing his team in the pre-match workouts could help with avoiding an early deficit, but the easiest way to avoid that is for the team coming out, ready to play as soon as it steps on the field.
But Detroit is just the first of two games this weekend. Two days later, the Ohio will face Cleveland State for their first home game of the regular season.
Rodgers hasn't seen the Vikings in two years and their last time out, Cleveland State ousted Chicago State 7-0. That scoreline didn't faze Rodgers.
"Cleveland State is always a tough game for us," he said. "Going back in history, it's always been a competitive match."
Last time these two met, the Bobcats drew the Vikings 0-0 during two overtime periods. During that game, Ohio dominated the entire game and couldn't find a way to score — a recurring point each season under Rodgers.
As the Bobcats hope to change their goalless ways, Rodgers is certain his team won't give up seven goals with transfer Vanessa Cordoba in goal.
Rodgers said she has been adapting well with the Bobcats and that she will be an asset as the season progresses.
"If we stay competitive all year and push each other in practice," Rodgers said, "we're going to continue to grow and our team is going to continue to be successful."
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