Sports

Ohio Soccer earns first MAC win with 2-0 victory against rival Miami

By: Andrew Bowlby
Posted on: Thursday, September 29, 2022

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ohio University Women’s Soccer team (5-4-1) returned to Chessa Field Thursday afternoon seeking its first Mid-American Conference win. The Bobcats were coming off back-to-back losses against Buffalo and Kent State, but they dropped their losing streak with a 2-0 win against rival Miami (5-3-2).

Coming into the matchup, Ohio and Miami had been very even in the last 10 meetings. Both teams recorded four wins, the other two ending in ties, and the goal scoring was 11-9 Ohio.

“First half it was a dog fight obviously,” midfielder Isabella Ginocchi said. “It’s Miami, it’s always gonna be a dog fight.”

Ohio and Miami pushed against each other in the first half, but neither team was able to get much going on offense. Despite the lack of offense, there was no shortage of physical play. Both teams were playing tough and physical, and the Redhawks had 12 total fouls called against them.

As the opening half continued, Miami began to push, and it was able to get some shots off. It totaled seven total shots, six on goal, but Ohio goalie Sam Wexell was up to the test making all six saves.

For the Bobcats, they were only able to get one shot on Miami goalkeeper Izzie Vaccari. The first half ended, after a defensive battle, deadlocked at zero.

Ohio came out of the halftime with new energy and started the second half off much stronger than the first. It was able to put together offense, and about 20 minutes in they scored the first goal of the game.

The goal came from Ginocchi, her second of the season, after cutting to the middle and ripping a shot into the top left corner of the net. Haley Miller registered the only assist on the goal, and in the 65th minute the Bobcats were up 1-0.

After the first goal the momentum stayed solid for Ohio as it continued to push and was ultimately able to score a second goal in the 84th minute. The second tally came off the foot of junior Shae Robertson.

Late in the game Miami made a strong effort to equal the score but were unable to as Wexell stood tall and made three second-half saves. Wexell finished the afternoon with nine total saves. Head coach Aaron Rodgers elaborated on her experience, and its importance for the team.

“(Sam) is a tremendous presence back there, a very calming presence,” Rodgers said. “She was a massive part of our result today.”

Ohio will take confidence from this win, into its Sunday matchup at Eastern Michigan.