The Ohio soccer team will be searching for consistency during this weekend as they play host to Bowling Green tonight and Toledo on Sunday.
Last weekend the 'Cats fell to Northern Illinois on Friday before rebounding against Western Michigan on Sunday. Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said that it can be hard to perform in both the classroom and the playing field after a long week.
I think Fridays can be tough
she said. It's a school day. They've been in class a lot of them all day. We need to do a better job of clicking their brains on to soccer once they get down to the locker room.Co-captain midfielder Callie Broomfield said she agreed that the Bobcats (5-6, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) need to come ready to play against the Falcons (6-6, 3-1 MAC.)
We just need to work on things we didn't bring to last Friday's game and do them against BG
she said. It's a huge game. I think we're all pumped though
we just have to bring it.Defense will be on Ohio's mind as they expect both Bowling Green and Toledo (3-6-3, 2-1-1 MAC) to each bring a strong offensive attack.
We continue to work on our defensive organization
said Strauss. This week we're keying more on defending three forwards
which is how we expect these teams to play
and creating space for our midfielders to possess the ball.
Nevertheless, Broomfield said she is confident in the team's abilities.
I'm not worried about three forwards
she said. We have a great defense that will be able to handle them. I think it's more important that we come out and make the other team react to us instead of us reacting to them.This weekend's slate will also go a long way in clearing up the MAC standings. The Bobcats are tied with two other teams for second place in the conference. One of those teams happens to be the Falcons. Toledo trails all three by a small amount.
After last year's disappointing conference record, co-captain midfielder Tiffany Horvath said that this season's strong start is encouraging.
I think getting in and getting a few wins is really important
she said. Especially since we do have a young team and last year's results weren't really ideal.This year's squad has several members that have tasted a conference championship. Strauss said she felt that experience goes a long way in finding success.
The players that were here in 2004 when we won the MAC know what it takes
she said. They're leading the way in bringing us back.
