Ohio (6-1-4, 1-0-3 Mid-American Conference) travels to Akron (5-4-2, 0-4 MAC) this weekend to play in its fifth conference game this season. Ohio is coming off of a tie at home against Kent State in a rematch of the MAC championship last season. Ohio looks to come home with a win against Akron.
Here’s everything to know ahead of the game.
Match information
Opponent: Akron
Location: FirstEnergy Stadium (Akron, Ohio)
Time: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Ohio notes
Ohio is coming off of its first four conference games and has not allowed more than one goal in any of those games, but they have only won one game. Ohio has tied three out of its first four games but beat a strong Bowling Green team 3-0.
Although the offense has been unable to be consistent in conference play, the defense has been doing a tremendous job stopping opponents’ offense. Led by junior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma, Ohio is second in the MAC in goals allowed with six total for the year, just behind Buffalo who has four. Despite the offensive downturn, the team is still second in the MAC behind Western Michigan.
Ohio also has not lost since playing Michigan State, which is currently ranked No. 5 nationally. The team will look to keep the streak alive against Akron.
Opponent notes
Akron’s season started amazing. They had won five games and tied two, not losing to anyone in nonconference play. However, since conference play began, Akron has lost four straight and sits at the bottom of the MAC standings.
The team’s history against Ohio has not been good recently either. Akron has lost the last three matchups against Ohio, its last win in 2020. Akron is a low-scoring team that depends on its defense to compensate. They have not scored more than two goals in a game all season and haven't scored more than one goal since the first game of the season.
However, only one team has scored more than one goal against them all season, and it was MAC leader Buffalo. Both Ohio and Akron utilize their defense very well, meaning this Sunday could be a defensive-heavy matchup.
Player to watch: Scout Murray
Murray, a junior forward, has started in every game for Ohio this year and has been an important piece to the offense. Since her hat trick against Valparaiso, she hasn’t been able to find the back of the net, but she’s still been able to be productive. She’s second in points for the season, third in shots, and third in shots on goal on the team. Murray looks to keep producing for the offense this week against Akron.
