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Ohio Soccer midfielder Iro Fakinou jumping over Buffalo goalkeeper Lexi Thompson.
Ohio Soccer midfielder Iro Fakinou jumping over Buffalo goalkeeper Lexi Thompson. [Ayiana Andrella | WOUB Public Media]

Ohio Soccer falls to Buffalo for third-straight time

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio Soccer (3-8-5, 1-4-4 MAC) is trying to make every game count as they scramble for a spot in the MAC tournament. Including Thursday’s energetic matchup at Chessa Field against Buffalo (11-3-2, 7-2-0 MAC). The Bulls, who confidently sit at second in the MAC, probably have even more confidence in their 2024 MAC Goalie of the Year. With Lexi Thompson between the posts, Buffalo defeated Ohio 2-1.

The Bobcats finally established a stable midfield after the first half kickoff, but when their pressure advanced to the final third, the connection dissipated, and Buffalo was able to regain possession. Bulls’ defensive midfielder Eva Blatz stayed within feet of the center backs behind her, making attempts up the middle difficult for Ohio’s offense.

Quintin Tostevin, usually a starting outside back for the Bobcats, transitioned into the midfield and perfectly mimicked Baltz’s positioning. Tostevin played a great game, fighting for every 50-50 ball, tackle and tracking wingers. As usual, center backs Maia Kaufman and Maia Soulis were just as dynamic in the attack as their defense. Lofting a ball from half-field, Kaufman was inches away from assisting winger Rayann Pruss’s shot that was just wide of post.

Within the same minute, Buffalo capitalized on a 27th-minute corner kick. The Bobcats have struggled with set-piece goals all season. Ohio head coach Aaron Rodgers talked about his team’s struggle with set-pieces.

Buffalo goalkeeper Lexi Thompson saving an Ohio shot.
Buffalo goalkeeper Lexi Thompson saving an Ohio shot. [Ayiana Andrella | WOUB Public Media]
“It’s just execution. Following through with the roles we have and not leaving people unmarked,” he said.

Despite a push late in the half, the first ended with the Bulls ahead 1-0.  

The Bobcats returned hungry after halftime. Ohio held majority of possession and maintained pressure. Both teams spent almost the entire second half backed into Buffalo territory. Even with masses of control, Buffalo was able to counter, scoring in the 70th minute from Koby Commandant.

Once again, the Bobcats pushed everything they had toward the goal, racking up crosses and shots, all of which were swallowed up by, the brick wall, Thompson. That was until Iro Fakinou was able to control a chaotic scramble in the box and put a rebound in the back of the net.

With only two minutes remaining after her goal; it was too little too late. The MAC matchup ended 2-1, as Buffalo pulled away with the win. Ohio only has three games left to clinch a postseason appearance.

Ohio has its second-to-last home game of the season Oct. 23 against Northern Illinois.