Sports
Ohio Soccer returns to the MAC semifinals after gritty win over Bowling Green
By: Stephen Koroly
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The defending Mid-American Conference champion Ohio Bobcats (11-4-4) are returning to Kalamazoo for the second year in a row after taking down Bowling Green State University (7-7-4) 1-0 in the MAC Quarterfinals.
Ohio came into this match as the three seed in the MAC tournament while visiting Bowling Green is slotted at the No. 6 seed.
The Bobcats had a rough end to their regular season, losing three of their four final matches. Bowling Green just snuck into the tournament after losing their final regular season match 4-2 to the Kent State Golden Flashes.
The Falcons opened this game with a press on the Ohio backline. Bowling Green found success in this press but were unable to capitalize early. As the game settled in, players such as Hailey Jeng and Ella Deevers found success moving the ball into open space for Ohio.
The Bobcats then began to knock on the door. A wonderful tactical sequence led to a cross that was headed into the back of the net by Deevers, but she was offside.
A crucial goal for Ohio and it was extra sweet for Deevers as she formerly played for Bowling Green her freshman season before transferring to Ohio.
Around midway through the first half, Deevers went into a tackle and pick up an injury to her right leg. She was forced to leave the game but walked off on her own power. Deevers said postgame that she should be okay to play next game.
The Falcons then began to move the ball with pace and into space. Finding players through the midfield and down the sideline. Bowling Green was knocking on the door but the Ohio backline stepped up to the task.
Norah Roush was superb in this outing for the Bobcats. She stopped transitions, won tackles, and directed the backline at a phenomenal rate. Her performance today is not anything new as she has been one of the best defenders in the MAC all season long.
Freshman Sarah Helphinstine also stepped up big off the bench in her first ever MAC tournament. She was critical physically and tactically for the Bobcats backline.
Bowling Green held a massive amount of possession in the first half. Their efforts led to great chances, but no goals. Ohio held the 1-0 lead at halftime.
Out of the break, the Falcons knew what they must do to have a great chance at winning this game. They man-marked the midfield and continued to press.
At the start of the half, Ohio had trouble breaking the press. Bowling Green made it tough for Ohio to get out of their own half. This led to turnovers and chances for the Falcons.
As the second half progressed the Bobcats became more comfortable on the ball, but Bowling Green still held a large amount of possession. The Bobcats would have to call on their backline to step up once again.
Maia Kaufman was fantastic in this half along with Quinton Tostevin, Maia Soulis and Norah Roush.
These players locked down the Bowling Green attack all second half. Ohio did have a couple chances offensively, but it was prevalent that the defense was going to win this game for the Bobcats.
With less than five minutes left in the match, Ohio ran out the clock well by drawing multiple fouls and a couple corners.
Ohio walked away with the win after 90 minutes. Ella Deevers provided the winning goal very early into the match. Bobcats goalkeeper Celeste Sloma was also a key contributor in this game, picking up her 10th shutout of the season and adding two saves as well.
Bowling Green finishes a strong season with a record of 7-7-4.
The Bobcats will move on and return to Kalamazoo once again for the MAC semi-finals. They face off against No. 2 Buffalo Bulls. The Bulls won the regular season matchup against the Bobcats in convincing fashion, 2-0. But in the MAC tournament, the unexpected should be expected.