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[Grant Kiefer | WOUB]

Ohio Soccer draws with Western Michigan in MAC opener

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Following a promising start to the season, the Ohio Bobcats (5-1-2) open up Mid-American Conference play with a 1-1 draw against the Western Michigan Broncos (3-1-4). The Bobcats protect their home turf and remained undefeated at Chessa Field.  

The Bobcats and the Broncos battled hard in the first half. Western Michigan crafted a few chances, but Ohio had a response every time. Ohio had some luck on corner kicks and set plays but couldn’t find the back of the net. A standout moment came when midfielder Hailey Jeng won the ball out of the air, turned toward the net and fired a shot that almost kissed the post.

Western Michigan was able to apply pressure too. The Broncos had a few crosses that proved difficult to stop, but the Bobcats defense was quick and ready. The Broncos and Bobcats entered halftime locked in a stalemate at a 0-0 score.

After a physical first half, both teams go to the drawing board during halftime and discuss how to find the back of the net.  

Minutes into the second half, Jaimason Brooker found herself through on goal, but defender Brielle Gomez made a slide tackle in the box to prevent Brooker from scoring.  

However, the Broncos wouldn’t be able to hold Brooker for long. She picked the ball off a Western Michigan defenders and shot it left of the goalkeeper for the first score of the game. The Bobcats came out swinging in the second half, and are rewarded 10 minutes in with a 1-0 lead.

Defender Rayann Pruss almost found another Ohio goal. Pruss made a cut in from the left side of the field and put a curling shot in the top right corner, but Bronco’s goalkeeper Lauren Boafo tipped it over the bar for an Ohio corner kick.  

Aaron Rodgers walks field ahead of first MAC game. [Stephen Koroly | WOUB Public Media]
Western Michigan created a few of their own chances in the second half that they couldn’t finish. With eight minutes left, Boafo punted the ball upfield and Forward Abby Worthman controlled the ball, took a touch and buried it in the back of the net. Broncos equalized the game to make the score 1-1.  

“They [Western Michigan] didn’t try to play in the back at all, it didn’t allow us to press like we have been this year.” Ohio head coach Aaron Rodgers said postgame. “I thought we did better in the second half, we made some adjustments at halftime to kind of help us be able to press.” 

Brooker, Ohio’s goalscorer, said that the Bobcats each played their role.

“We all play our individuals roles as a team, and we come together and play with intensity,” Brooker said.  

The Bobcats look to return to winning ways when they travel to Northern Illinois on Sunday at 2 p.m for their second MAC game of the year.