Sports
Ohio Soccer eliminated from MAC Tournament after losing in the Battle of the Bricks
By: Evan Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – In their final home game, Ohio Soccer (4-9-5, 2-5-4 MAC) was in a must-win situation. The Bobcats had to win their final two games and receive help from multiple MAC schools to make the conference tournament. In their way was Miami (9-5-2, 6-2-2 MAC), and after capitalizing on offensive chances, the RedHawks got their fourth straight win against Ohio, 3-0.
The Bobcats were looking to build off their win against Northern Illinois on Sunday, but Miami came out as the more aggressive team. The Redhawks received six infractions in just the first 12 minutes of the game.
It would be an Ohio infraction that gave Miami the first scoring opportunity of the match, resulting in a penalty kick. Bobcat goalkeeper Celeste Sloma had a beautiful save to keep the game scoreless.
Just two minutes later, Carolina Mortonson netted the first goal of the game in the 30th minute. The Bobcats were able to get a shot off before the half but could not score.
In the second half, the physical defense continued, and the RedHawks were able to take advantage of another scoring opportunity. This time, it was Kayla Perfect, who scored her first goal of the season to expand the lead to two.
Ohio kept trying to claw their way back into the game, but could not get a shot off. In the entire match, Ohio was only able to get two shots on goal.
Miami got redemption with another attempt at a penalty kick, but this time it was successful. Shae Taylor was able to squeak it by Sloma in the bottom left of the net to put the game away.
Tensions continued to rise in the final minutes as Ohio picked up two yellow cards.
Miami would go on to win the Battle of the Bricks for the fourth straight season, with a final score of 3-0.
“These seniors have been unbelievably impactful. They have meant so much, and they’ve set such a good foundation for this group. You know, they’re just lovely people, and we will really miss them. I’m just kind of gutted that they’re ending this way and not making the MAC tournament,” said head coach Aaron Rodgers.
With the Bobcats being officially eliminated from the MAC tournament, they will play their final game of the season at UMass.
Miami still has two games left and will return to the pitch at Ball State on Oct 26.