Is it possible for a team to gain momentum from a loss?
Members of the Ohio soccer team believe they can and will try to build on it when they travel to Drake this weekend for non-conference matches against Creighton and Drake.
Despite losing to Michigan 3-1 on Friday, the Bobcats feel like they gave the Wolverines a scare and showed they can compete with one of the best teams in the country.
It was some of our best play and we all know that
sweeper Crystal Reed said. It showed that we can play against teams outside of the Mid-American Conference.
Somehow in a backwards way we gained a lot of confidence from that game
coach Stacy Strauss said. I think that will be the last time we go into a game somewhat intimidated or fearful of an opponent.
A major reason for the Bobcats' confidence is its veteran leadership on defense. Led by co-captains Reed and Sara Williams, the Bobcat defense has allowed only five goals in its first four contests.
Strauss spoke highly of the co-captains and is pleased with Williams' versatility.
Reed is a great communicator
and she organizes things for us on defense
Strauss said. Sara's grown into a threat for us offensively out of the backfield
and we will be looking for her to do that in the upcoming weeks.
The defense has had a tough act to follow after last season's stretch of nine-straight shutouts. Despite the tall task to follow, Williams and Reed both feel that the defense can be just as dominant as it was last season.
I definitely think we can play at that level but I don't know if we will be able to do that again
Williams said. It's one of those things that happens once in a great while
but I think we definitely have the potential.
We definitely have been playing well
but we haven't proven it yet
Reed said. This weekend will give us a chance to show that.
Ohio will look to begin a new shutout streak when they participate in the Bulldog Bash Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, this weekend. Kickoff against Drake is slated for 4:30 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday against Creighton.
