Three match-ups with big-name programs highlight Ohio's fall soccer schedule, which was released today.
The Bobcats will face opponents from the Southeastern Conference, Big East and Big Ten.
After an exhibition match with Xavier and the home-opener against Wright State, Ohio will welcome Pittsburgh to Chessa Field on Aug. 21. The Bobcats defeated the Panthers 2-0 last fall to send the Big East member to its first loss of the season.
Pittsburgh beat the other three Mid-American Conference schools it played. The Bobcats are now 3-1 all-time against the Panthers.
Five days after hosting Pittsburgh, Ohio will travel south to face Kentucky. The Wildcats placed seventh in the SEC in 2010. The two squads' only mutual opponent was Marshall. The schools beat the Thundering Herd in 1-0 decisions four days apart.
The Wildcats will be breaking in a brand new playing surface when the Bobcats visit Aug. 26. Ohio has lost all three previous matches against Kentucky.
On Sept. 11, Ohio will visit Big Ten foe Ohio State. The Buckeyes won their first conference title in 2010 and advanced all the way to the national semifinals before falling to eventual champion Notre Dame. Ohio State finished the season 17-5-2.
Ohio and Ohio State last met in 2007, with the Buckeyes winning 1-0. The Bobcats' only win in three career match-ups came on their home turf.
Ohio played Kentucky, Ohio State and Pittsburgh in 2007 and lost all three contests.
Ohio will host five of its 11 conference matches this season. Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami, Bowling Green and Buffalo will travel to Athens. The Bobcats will visit Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Ball State, Kent State and Akron.
This marks the fourth straight year Ohio will play more MAC opponents on the road than at Chessa Field.
The Bocbats' nine regular-season home matches are the most since 2006, when the team played 10 contests on its own turf.
Ohio finished the 2010 campaign with a 6-9-4 record. The team placed eighth in the MAC tournament and lost to Toledo in the opening round of the conference tournament.
