One might think Ohio’s trip back to Athens after defeating
No. 8 American last weekend resembled a party bus carrying celebrating teenagers to a big dance.
Yeah. Not really.
“It would have been (a good time) if everyone wasn’t asleep,” said coach Neil Macmillan, whose No. 15 Bobcats are one of only six undefeated Division I teams in the country.
“I think everyone worked so hard during the game that we had a few tired bodies on the bus ride back,” he said.
But the scene might not have been much different if Ohio had been on the other end of the 2-1 overtime thriller. Despite a perfect start and wins against two top-10 teams already, the Bobcats have remained a grounded bunch, one that has not lost its focus in achieving significant success early on.
Macmillan said his team is not one to dwell on the past. It has kept a level of perspective so far, knowing that the most important game of the year is the next one.
“I don’t think we’re getting caught up at all,” he said.
After all, the Bobcats are not relying on style points or an endless supply of goals to win games. Their trademark to this point has been a suffocating defense.
American did not record a single shot in the first half against Ohio last weekend, and the home team finished the game with only one tally.
Throughout Division I, Ohio ranks second in goals allowed, having given up an average of .65 per game. Only first-ranked North Carolina has defended at a better rate.
“I think the strength in defense comes from a number of places,” said Macmillan, who was surprised to hear how highly Ohio ranked in that category. “Obviously, you look at goalkeeping, and Jen (McGill) has been doing a good job back there for us.
“Defense is an 11-person responsibility. We have really been adhering to that.”
But Louzeth Schutte has earned the most recognition for her defensive efforts.
Three times this year, the Mid-American Conference has doled out awards to the conference’s top defender of the week, and all three times, that honor has gone to Schutte.
“I kind of see (the award) as a defensive achievement as a whole,” Schutte said.
“Our defense has played really well, and obviously, it’s not just one person.
“It could have gone to anyone on our team.”
That emphasis on the collective is no new tune for the Bobcats, who have been operating under that philosophy since the season began.
Selfless and focused, Ohio will play Robert Morris tomorrow and then Indiana and St. Louis before opening up its conference schedule Sept. 25.
Conference play is what truly matters to Macmillan’s bunch, and he is the first to mention that his club has not beaten a MAC foe this season.
But through the constant focus and dedication to the next match, the players remember to smile and enjoy the ride.
“It’s really so much fun playing with everybody,” Schutte said. “Obviously, it’s fun when you’re winning.”
me811508@ohiou.edu
