Ohio (1-1-1) has its first home game of the season against Valparaiso (2-1) this weekend. Ohio is looking to bounce back after a tough rematch against a Michigan State team that is ranked No. 8 in the NCAA United Soccer Coaches poll.
Ohio has never played Valparaiso before, but both teams had success last season, with Ohio winning its first-ever Mid-American Conference championship, and Valparaiso winning the Missouri Valley Conference championship.
Match Information
Opponent: Valparaiso
Location: Chessa Field (Athens, Ohio)
Time: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Ohio Notes
Ohio most recently faced off against Michigan State, losing 0-3. Michigan State beat Ohio in the NCAA tournament last year, knocking Ohio out of the tournament in the first round with the same score. Through three games of the season, Ohio has scored 5 goals, while allowing 4.
Even though they have scored more goals than their opponents this season, the Bobcats have allowed more shots than they have taken. Opponents have taken 33 shots to Ohio’s 31, but Ohio has taken more quality shots with 17 of those shots being on goal while the opponents have only produced 16. A big test this weekend for Ohio will be on the defensive side of the ball and whether or not the team can make improvements defensively.
Opponent Notes
Valparaiso, like Ohio, had a great 2023 season, winning its conference championship. They didn’t get far in the NCAA tournament, though, losing in the first round to Notre Dame. Valparaiso is similar to Ohio in goals and shots on goal for the season, having 16 shots on goal while its opponents have 19 for the season. They have allowed one less goal than the Bobcats, but have the same amount of scored goals. It looks to be a very even and close match-up this weekend.
Player to Watch
After playing in all 22 games last year and starting in 10 of them, sophomore midfielder Jaimason Brooker continues to impact the offense. Brooker has taken the most shots of the team this year with seven, four of which were shots on goal, and scoring one of them. She has also started every game this year as a midfielder, but has experience as a forward, moving between positions last year. Brooker looks to continue to contribute on the field against Valparaiso.
