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An Ohio Bobcat defensive player prepares clear the ball as an oncoming Central Michigan offensive player runs in during their game on September 24, 2017 in Athens, Ohio. The Bobcats won the game 3-0. (Kelsey Brunner/WOUB)

Ohio Soccer: Leckie’s Late Heroics Help Bobcats Escape with Tie

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The Ohio women’s soccer team (4-5-2, 2-1-1) used some late game heroics to draw with the Ball State Cardinals (5-3-2,1-2-1) 1-1 Sunday afternoon in a defensive slugfest at Chessa Field.

Ohio returned home for Senior Day, as head coach Aaron Rodgers started all eight of his seniors. The Bobcats welcomed back several alumni to Chessa Field as well.

The first half of this contest belonged to the Cardinals, as the Bobcats could not garner any type of momentum offensively and only managed one shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes. It was a very physical, defensive minded game for both squads, and there were six total cards given out between the teams.

The seal was not broken until the 30th minute when the Cardinals’ Tatiana Mason knocked one in to give the Cardinals the early advantage. Ball State had the Bobcats on their heels for most of the first half, as they had many opportunities to take a big lead and stretch thigs out early.

Bobcats goalkeeper Erin Buerket turned in an impressive display, deflecting all shots minus the one goal by Davis and holding the Cardinals lead to just 1-0 going into the half. The senior goalkeeper posted an impressive performance, saving seven of the eight Cardinal shots that were on goal.

In the second half, the Bobcats were able to significantly alter the ship and establish a much better rhythm offensively than in the first half. The passing looked far crisper, and they were able to put far more pressure on the Cardinals’ defense. Ohio looked as though they had tied it early in the second half, but their goal off a rebound was called back for offsides.

After a few more attempts, the Bobcats were finally able to strike gold in the 85th minute, as Sydney Leckie was set up by a two beautiful two-pass sequence from Madelyn Kah and Sarina Dirring to strike one in and tie the match at one a piece. The game would remain tied through regulation, and despite having multiple chances to capitalize and come away with a victory, neither team was able to deliver a decisive blow.

The Bobcats’ next matchup will also be at home, as they square off against the Akron Zips Thursday, Oct. 4th at 4:00 p.m.