Ohio (7-1-4, 2-0-3 Mid-American Conference) extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games with a 1-0 shutout over visiting Eastern Michigan (5-4-3, 1-1-3 Mid-American).
The Bobcats began the game on the attacking end of the ball, finding ways to get through the Eagle's defense and setting up multiple corner kicks within the first 10 minutes. Eastern Michigan’s defense became suffocating in the box as Ohio couldn’t capitalize on any corner kick.
The stalemate continued until the 25th minute when a foul from the Eagles gave the Bobcats and graduate student Aubrey Rea a free kick from 10 feet outside the box. From there, Rea put a powerful strike on the ball that got past the Eastern Michigan wall and outside of the reach of a diving goalkeeper, Ella Holland, to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead.
The Bobcat defense would show their appreciation to the offense by shutting down every opportunity the Eagles would try to carve out.
This defensive clinic would be led by the efforts of junior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma. She racked up her eighth shutout of the season by saving every shot put in front of her, no matter the difficulty. Whether it was a crossing attempt with some heat on it or a shot on goal, Sloma would always get in front of the ball and halt any chance at a comeback from the Eagles.
This, along with Ohio’s offense being unable to create any other great chances, led to a 1-0 score at the half.
Coming out of the half, the Bobcats played a more conservative style of soccer. The team wouldn’t force shots or attacks without an abundance of passes in their backfield to milk the clock. Despite this patience, Ohio couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net for a second time due to the acrobatics of Eastern Michigan goalkeeper Ella Holland.
As the game was in its waning minutes, the Eagles turned up the intensity as their offense began to take control, creating great looks one after another. Even as the game was in its final 30 seconds, Eastern Michigan gave the Bobcats a run for their money but would be unsuccessful in scoring. The game would conclude with Ohio standing tall 1-0 over the Eagles.
“I think so much credit needs to be given to the defense; it honestly has nothing to do with me,” Sloma said. “Those four women that play with me are such a key part of our team's success. Just the communication and how well we get along on the pitch helps well.”
Ohio coach Aaron Rodgers spoke on what makes this team stand out from past teams he has coached.
“I think this team is just more singularly focused on the task at hand,” Rodgers said. “I don’t need to find ways to motivate them or encourage them… They’re a close group, and they do a great job at motivating each other.”
This win gets the Bobcats closer to reaching the top seed in the MAC, a spot held by Western Michigan. Ohio looks to extend this unbeaten streak on Sunday when the team travels to Muncie, Indiana to take on Ball State.
