Ohio (9-2-4, 4-1-3 Mid-American Conference) returns from an extended break in the late season schedule for a high-steaks road matchup against Buffalo (9-1-5, 4-1-3 MAC).
Most recently, Ohio and Buffalo faced off in a 2023 regular season match where Ohio took a tight victory on the road 1-0.
Ohio enters this match sitting at third in the MAC Postseason standings, one spot behind Buffalo and first-place Western Michigan. Ohio has three games left in MAC conference play, with a potential first-round bye for the Bobcats if the team finishes first or second in the MAC.
As Ohio hits the road for Buffalo, New York, here is what you need to know:
Match Information
Opponent: Buffalo
Venue: University of Buffalo Stadium (Buffalo, New York)
Time: 6 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Ohio Notes
Ohio enters the match against Buffalo with many postseason implications at stake. Ohio had a consecutive streak of 11 games without a loss broken last week against Toledo.
Ohio has not been outshot in a match since Sept. 22nd at Northern Illinois, and defender Nora Roush, goalkeeper Celeste Sloma, and the rest of the Ohio defense are still producing solid defensive performances despite allowing a goal in the previous two games.
The Ohio offense has been firmly led by forward Jaimason Brooker, the team’s current leader in goals, assists, points, shots and shots on goal. Midfielder Iro Fakinou has also been a notable contributor with four assists and defender Rayann Pruss has been productive with three goals and two assists.
A big performance from forward Scout Murray could spark the Ohio offense. Murray tallied four goals this season before being sidelined with an injury. She has been back in the lineup the past two matches but has only managed one shot in each game. A rebound performance from Murray could provide substantial pressure for opposing defenses to handle late into the year.
Opponent Notes
As the second-ranked team in the MAC, Buffalo enters the match against Ohio with a slight advantage over the Bobcats in the standings. However, both teams share the same conference record of 4-1-3.
Buffalo enters this match as a defensive force to challenge Ohio on the field. Buffalo holds opposing teams to 0.47 goals per game and keeps opponents to a .460 shot-on-goal percentage.
Buffalo does allow opponents to get off 9.1 shots a game on average, compared to Ohio’s 7.9, but goals are hard to come by against this Buffalo defensive front. Offensively, the team is led by forward Jasmine Guerber. Guerber leads Buffalo in goals, points, shots and shots on goal.
Players to Watch
Ohio goalkeeper Sloma is the player to watch for in this conference showdown. Undoubtedly, Sloma's dominant defensive play has been one of the team’s anchors this season. The two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Week has uncharacteristically allowed goals in back-to-back games but has only conceded three scores in her previous seven outings. Buffalo presents a tough defensive challenge for Ohio. If Sloma can turn in another stellar performance in such a high-stakes game, Ohio could be able to control its destiny entering the final stretch of the regular season.
