Ohio (4-7-5, 2-4-3 Mid-American Conference) traveled to Oxford, Ohio, to take on MAC rival Miami (6-10-1, 3-6 MAC). Ohio entered the matchup against Miami having tied its previous three matches, including matches against MAC opponents Central Michigan (1-1) and Ball State (2-2). Miami came into this match after a loss at Western Michigan (1-0) and a victory at home against Toledo (2-1).
Ohio entered the match at No. 8 in the MAC standings, with Miami behind them in the No. 9 spot.
The match began with both teams settling in on defense early, but as the first half progressed, both teams were able to find multiple opportunities to get good shots on goal. Ohio had five shots in the first half, all five being on target but they were all saved. Miami managed seven shots with four on target.
Ohio forward Shae Robertson made an impact early on with two shots on goal in the first 15 minutes. Ohio kept the pressure on evenly throughout the rest of the first half but could not capitalize.
Both offenses were testing the other team early on, but outstanding goalkeeping from Ohio goalkeeper Celeste Sloma and Miami goalkeeper Dominique Popa kept the match scoreless.
When the second half began, there was a noticeable rise in the defensive effort from Miami. Ohio only managed two shots in the opening 15 minutes of the second half as Miami began to stifle the Ohio offense.
In the 60th minute, Miami forward Hailey Anspach was found breaking through the Ohio defense by midfielder Julia Hoffmann and fired a shot right into the back of the net to put Miami up 1-0 on Ohio.
After going into a 1-0 hole, the Ohio offense responded rapidly during the 61st minute of play with three shot attempts in a one-minute stretch. However, none of these could break through Dominique Popa for an equalizer.
As the second half dwindled, Ohio could not generate consistent pressure and only managed three more shot attempts and zero corner kicks after the 61st-minute outburst.
When the final whistle blew, Ohio had fallen to its rival Miami 1-0.
The Ohio offense put up some efficient numbers today and had numerous opportunities to even up the score but could not break through on any of its chances. Ohio forwards Scout Murray, Shae Robertson, and midfielder Carsyn Prigge all had two shots each, keeping Ohio close to tying the score late.
The performances from Ohio goalkeeper Celeste Sloma and Miami goalkeeper Dominique Popa were excellent, as both recorded seven or more saves (Sloma, 7 - Popa, 8), with Popa completing the shutout for her team. Celeste Sloma kept Ohio in the match and held off the Miami offense for much of the game.
Ohio will look to respond on Sunday when it takes on Eastern Michigan in Athens.
