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[Evan Johnson | WOUB]

Ohio Soccer drops third-straight match to Marshall

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — After a tough loss on the road to the Pitt Panthers, the Ohio Bobcats (1-3-0) returned to Chessa Field to face the Marshall Thundering Herd (3-0-0). Since 2011, The Bobcats have seen The Herd eleven times, going 7-3-1 and never losing at home. Marshall got off to a quick start and won a match in Athens for the first time ever 2-1.

 Marshall came out the gate with significant intensity and physicality. Early in the first, Marshall showed their strong play, securing the first goal of the afternoon courtesy of Geovanna Souza, assisted by Brooklyn McComas and Marcella Alves. Shortly after, Marshall doubled down, adding another goal off a header scored by Bailey Fisher. 

The Bobcats found themselves in a hole that they would struggle to dig themselves out of. Ohio had plenty of opportunities, however, they could not seem to string much together. In the final minutes of the half, both teams played strong defense, ending the period with Marshall leading 2-0. 

Ohio Soccer forward Sania Dearing creating an offensive chance against Marshall.
Ohio Soccer forward Sania Dearing creating an offensive chance against Marshall. [Reece Merkel | WOUB Public Media]
Into the second, The Bobcats came back to the field hungry. It was evident that neither team was giving up without a fight as fouls and yellow cards became commonplace on the field from both sides.  

When Ohio needed it most, Sania Dearing struck, finding the back of the net just under half way through the second period. She did not act alone, as Rylee Mensel would help her out with the assist. 

However, unfortunately for the Bobcats, their efforts would not be enough to revive their game. Although an intense and extremely hard-fought fight, Marshall took the match 2-1. 

 Ohio Head Coach Aarron Rogders discussed today’s game saying the Bobcats have areas to improve on.

“Obviously I think our intensity coming out has got to be better,” Rodgers said. “We’ve got to pay attention to the details early on. Credit to Marshall, they came out fired up. They deserve that win.” 

The Bobcats will travel to Michigan to take on the Oakland Grizzlies on Thursday. 

The Marshall Thundering Herd will travel to Dayton on Wednesday to compete against Wright State.