Sports

Ohio Soccer shatters single game scoring record, downs VMI 11-0

By: Grant Kiefer
Posted on: Sunday, September 4, 2022

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Following its first win of the season at Marshall, the Ohio Women’s Soccer team took the field for its home opener on Sunday afternoon against VMI. The Bobcats wasted no time getting in the win column at home, as both sides of the ball were working on all cylinders against an overmatched VMI team, winning by a score of 11-0.

Ohio dominated the time of possession most of the match, although, VMI and Ohio went back and forth the first few minutes.

However, once Ohio got a chance, the zero came off the board right away. Isabella Ginocchi started the scoring off in the eighth minute on a goal that was assisted by Shae Robertson, making the score 1-0 early.

After a handful of chances on VMI’s side of the field, Shae Robertson tallied her first goal of the season in the 23rd minute, which was assisted on a beautiful ball by Abby Townsend. Ohio took control, leading 2-0 about halfway through the first half.

Ohio fired in another goal in the 28th minute, this one coming from Aubrey Rea. This goal was Aubrey’s second goal of the season and was assisted by Shae Robertson, making the score 3-0.

Aubrey Rea stepped up in a big way today, as she stepped into a starting role against VMI following an injury on the roster. Rea played the most minutes out of anyone on the team today, as she spoke about the importance of her new role.

“Just gaining confidence and building off that, continuing endurance and just keep moving forward with it.” Rea said.

The scoring really began to ramp up after Maia Kaufman’s goal in the 37th minute, which was unassisted. This made the score 4-0, but not for long.

Just two minutes later, in the 39th minute, freshman Scout Murray scored the first goal of her collegiate career on a ball that was assisted by Kali Stock, putting the score up to 5-0 for the time being.

In the 42nd minute, Scout Murray scored her second goal of the match and of her collegiate career, with the assist coming from Abby Townsend. In just five minutes, the score jumped from 3-0 to 6-0, Ohio.

Coming out of the halftime break, Ohio wasted no time whatsoever getting on the board, as freshman Eve Berish scored the first goal of her collegiate career, this one unassisted. 7-0, Ohio.

Ohio tied the school’s all-time goals in a game record at eight after Payton Rigg’s goal in the 54th minute, which was assisted by Scout Murray. This brought the score all the way up to 8-0, Ohio.

Scout Murray didn’t even have a shot on goal to her name before today’s match. She changed this quickly, as she finished the match with two goals and two assists, playing a major role in the Ohio victory.

Eve Berish fired her second goal of the match in the 69th minute and it was a historic one. Ohio’s 9th goal of the game set a new school record for goals scored in a game. 

Payton Rigg made even more history, as her goal in the 78th minute gave the Bobcats the program’s first-ever double-digit scoring game.

Rigg and Scout Murray, both freshmen, scored goals today for the Bobcats and head coach Aaron Rodgers spoke on the importance of his youth stepping up.

“You get your first goals, kind of gives you a little bit of confidence and gives you something to strive for, especially for attacking players,” Rodgers said.

After a handball was called on VMI in the box, Ohio drew the penalty kick. Abby Townsend converted the penalty kick, which was her first goal of the match, and made the score 11-0, Bobcats.

Eleven goals later, the match was over. Ohio’s offense came to life and its defense got a day off, as VMI finished with only three shots and one on goal.

Ohio will hope to continue its winning ways in its next match at Northern Kentucky this Thursday. Thursday’s match against Northern Kentucky will be the Bobcats’ second trip to the Greater Cincinnati area this season, as the Bobcats tied 0-0 with Xavier early in the season. VMI, now standing at 0-6 on the season, will hope to notch its first result of the season in its next match at Iona this Thursday.