After having success on the defensive side of the ball during the non-conference schedule, Ohio hasn’t slowed down, continuing its dominance in Mid-American-Conference play.
The defense’s play this year is the result of the hard work it put in during the offseason, but also has been attributed to the rapport with the goalies.
Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said the defense’s toughness started with its trio of goalkeepers and has trickled down.
“I think it’s just a mentality,” Strauss said. “I think we have three of the hardest working goalkeepers in the conference and best in terms of the quality as well; they do a good job in training and motivating the players in front of them.”
Through six MAC games, the Bobcats (7-6-1, 2-3-1 MAC) have had only one game in which they have given up more than one goal, and average only one goal against them per game.
Last year, Ohio’s defense gave up an average of 1.5 goals a game, tied for eighth place. Ohio has only allowed 15 goals this year, which puts it on pace to finish with less than 30 goals against — its total from last year.
Ohio redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Fryan said the trio of goalies provides a valuable aspect of play to the defenders.
“In soccer, the communication always comes from the back and then works its way forward,” Fryan said. “It’s very vital that the goalkeeper is involved in the game and constantly talking to their back four and make sure it’s positive and good information.”
The Bobcats’ defensive tenacity was especially prevalent when Ohio faced Central Michigan on Sept. 23. The Chippewas had 24 shots in the Bobcat loss and the defense only allowed one goal, which occurred three minutes into the game.
Part of Ohio’s toughness has been the play of senior defender Paige Howard, who Strauss said is the best one-on-one defender in the conference, and teams are dumbfounded in terms of how to get past her.
Ohio senior forward Veronica Rock said all three keepers provide support and direction and they provide answers as to what decisions defenders make during games.
“The nice thing about our three keepers is I have confidence in each one of them and I’m confident no matter which one is behind me, and so is our back line,” Rock said. “I just think that they organize our entire field, pretty much, and you can say it starts with them or ends with them, but regardless, they are a pivotal aspect of the team dynamic.”
Ohio will try to continue its defensive streak on the road this weekend when Ohio will take on Eastern Michigan.
The Eagles (7-5, 4-2 MAC), which are on a two-match skid, rank second in the MAC West.
On Sunday, Ohio will face Western Michigan (5-6, 1-2 MAC), which is the MAC West’s last-place team.
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