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Ohio women's soccer player inbounds the ball against Indiana.
Ohio Soccer inbounds the ball in 3-2 loss against Indiana [WOUB Public Media | Abby Mader]

Ohio Soccer Falls to Indiana on Coach Rodgers Day

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — On a day honoring head coach Aaron Rodgers, Ohio Soccer (2-2) couldn’t complete the comeback, falling 3-2 to Indiana University (2-2-1) at Chessa Field. 

The pregame festivities carried extra weight, as the Bobcats celebrated their longtime leader. Rodgers has coached Ohio since 2014 and has amassed 101 career wins, building the program into a consistent contender in the Mid-American Conference.

On Coach Rodgers Day, Ohio faced one of its toughest tests yet in a Power 4 opponent, taking on Big Ten member Indiana. The Hoosiers entered with a 2-2-1 record after a 2-0 loss to St. Louis, but they came out sharp and eager to bounce back.

Indiana struck first. With 40 minutes left in the first half, Bella Haggerty scored a header goal, assisted by Paige Droner.

The Hoosiers doubled their lead with 33 minutes remaining when Jenna Chatterton found the back of the net, leaving the Bobcats chasing early. Ohio settled into the match and answered late in the half. With 12 minutes left, Jaimason Brooker drove right down the middle to score, cutting Indiana’s lead to 2-1 and sending the Bobcats into the break with renewed momentum.

Ohio women's soccer player inbounds the ball against Indiana.
Ohio Soccer inbounds the ball in 3-2 loss against Indiana [WOUB Public Media | Abby Mader]
The Hoosiers restored their two-goal cushion 16 minutes into the second half when Piper Coffield scored, making it 3-1. The shift in momentum tested the young Bobcats, who responded with urgency and pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. Ohio’s pressure paid off late. With 1:55 remaining, the Bobcats earned a penalty kick, and Lillian Weller stepped up and converted, pulling Ohio within one at 3-2. The Bobcats threw numbers forward in the final moments but couldn’t find the equalizer, and Indiana held on for the win.

The loss drops Ohio to 2-3 on the season, while Indiana improves to 3-2-1. The Bobcats showed fight late against a Power-4 school, a sign of resilience as they turn their attention to the road. Ohio returns to action away from home, traveling to face Duquesne Sunday, September 13th, and Indiana plays Nebraska Thursday, September 10th.