Ohio (0-2) has yet to win a game this season, with losses against Stanford and No. 20 UAlbany. Through those two games, the Bobcats have been outscored 1-8 and have taken just 13 shots on their opponents' nets in comparison to 28 shots taken on their own. Friday night, Ohio will have a chance to claim its first victory of the season against another winless team in Vermont.
Match Information:
Opponent: Vermont (0-2)
Location: Ralph Young Field (East Lancing, Michigan)
Date and Time: Saturday at 1 p.m.
Vermont Notes:
Ohio and Vermont are both looking for their first win of the season as they enter the third game. Both teams have struggled to put points on the board, as Vermont and Ohio have each scored only 1 goal through the first two games of the season. With both teams having started the season struggling, a win could help either rebound and get on a hot streak. Both of the teams' defenses have struggled mightily, as Ohio's opponents have put up a combined 8 goals and Vermont's opponents have put up 7 combined goals.
Expect both teams to fight tooth and nail for a win, as this is a perfect opportunity for either team to jumpstart their season.
Match Information:
Opponent: Michigan State (1-1)
Location: Ralph Young Field (East Lancing, Michigan)
Date and Time: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Michigan State Notes:
Michigan State has fared better than Ohio this season, as it does have a win in its record. Both of the team's games have been very close though, as Michigan State won its first game against UC Davis by 1 point and lost its other game against California by a single goal in overtime. If Ohio's matchup against Michigan State goes anything like its opponent's past two games, it will be a fight until the end.
Expect multiple lead changes and a close ending. This game is another opportunity for Ohio to get a win on its record and get good momentum for the rest of the month.
Players to Watch:
Ohio forward Natalie LaFleur has been her team's only source of scoring this season as the lone Bobcat to score a goal. Ohio will need output from LaFleur if it hopes to win this weekend. Another player to watch out for is Ohio's goalkeeper Macy Lotze, who looks to continue her stretch of dominance from last season, in which she had 99 saves. Against a team that has struggled to put the ball in the net in Vermont, more saves could be on the way.
Michigan forward Bianca Pizano and midfielder Maddie Lawlor have scored four of Michigan's five goals throughout the first two games, with both players each having two apiece. Expect them to continue their scoring streak against Ohio, who have let a lot of shots connect with the net this season.
