History was not on the Ohio soccer team's side this weekend as their struggles continued at Bowling Green and Toledo.
Going into the weekend, the team had never lost to Bowling Green and had lost only once to Toledo in its eight-year history as a varsity sport.
The Bobcats were shut out at Bowling Green Friday 2-0 and dropped yesterday's contest at Toledo 3-2.
At this point last season, the Bobcats had shut out opponents in eight straight contests and had won seven straight on their way to having the best record in the MAC. Now, the team (3-9, 1-5 MAC) has dropped four straight contests, eight of its last nine, and will have to win the majority of its remaining games just to get into the tournament.
Coach Stacy Strauss said she did not anticipate being in this situation.
With each loss it becomes a little more surreal
she said. We definitely did not expect this.
In Friday's action at Bowling Green, the Bobcats failed to find the net for the fourth time this season. Goalkeeper Kieniele King saw her first action in an Ohio uniform and made two saves while playing the entire match. It was not enough, however, as Bowling Green collected goals in the 11th and 60th minutes to win the game 2-0.
In yesterday's match at Toledo, the Bobcats fell behind early and would remain that way for the entirety of the contest in its 3-2 loss. After two Rocket goals in the fourth and 26th minutes, the Bobcats got on the board in the 33rd minute with forward Lindsey Price's third goal of the season. Forward Sarah Merritt collected her third assist on the goal.
A Rocket goal in the 76th minute would prove to be the game-winner as it gave the team a 3-1 lead. Forward Maggie Rojas-Alford collected her team-leading fourth goal when she scored in the 90th minute to make the final score 3-2.
Despite yet another weekend without a victory, Strauss said she saw continuous improvement in the team. She also feels that the team still has a viable chance in making the eight-team MAC tournament.
I think we're going to have to earn our way into the tournament by sneaking in the back door she said. We expect to finish in the top eight and we are looking forward to seeing some of these teams again in the tournament.
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Hopes for MAC tournament berth still alive despite loss
