Ohio (10-3-4, 5-2-3 Mid-American Conference) travels to Miami (7-4-6, 3-3-4 MAC) for its last regular season game. This rivalry matchup is important for both teams, as Ohio is fighting for the No. 2 seed in the MAC tournament to earn themselves a bye, and Miami, the No. 6 seed, is fighting to enter the tournament.
Match Information
Opponent: Miami
Location: Bobby Kramig Field (Oxford, Ohio)
Time: Thursday at 3 p.m.
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Ohio Notes
While Ohio has already locked itself into the MAC tournament, it is still battling for seeding. If Ohio wins and Buffalo loses, Ohio finish as the number two team in the conference, earning a bye in the conference tournament.
In Ohio’s last game, it seemed to return to form as the dominant team it has been in the past despite a two game losing streak late in the season.
Ohio enters second in average goals per game, opponent goals per game, margin of victory, shots and goals. The Bobcats have carried the momentum from last year’s MAC tournament win into this year, even though they have a target on their back as the returning champions.
Miami Notes
This game is very important for Miami. If the Redhawks win, they earn a spot in the MAC tournament, but if they lose or tie, it will depend on Kent State’s outcome.
Miami hasn’t had any win streaks or big losing streaks this year, and every game seems to be very close. The defense has been its backbone all season, being fourth in the MAC in allowed goals. Offensively, Miami has outshot its opponents 230 to 168, but it has only two more shots on goal than its opponents.
Historically, Miami has had the upper hand on Ohio. The Redhawks are 8-5-2 against the Bobcats since 2011 and have only lost one game at home in that same span.
Player to Watch
Graduate student Aubrey Rea has been one of Ohio’s most proficient shot takers this season, scoring four goals on 15 total shots. Rea also doesn’t just take shots; she places them well and on target, as 10 of her 15 shots are on goal.
Last game against Central Michigan Rea had a goal and an assist, helping Ohio to a 3-0 win. She looks to continue helping Ohio’s offense in the last game of the season.
