With only three games remaining in the regular season, the Ohio soccer team understands the importance of this weekend's matches with Kent State and Buffalo.
For Ohio's two active seniors, midfielders Tiffany Horvath and Amy Switzer, these two games are even more significant as they mark their last full weekend of action at Chessa Field. Horvath said that she's not entirely sure how she'll be affected.
Switzer and I talk about it all the time
she said. It just really hasn't hit me yet. I think it won't until kind of after it's over. You just can't take any game for granted and try to have as much fun as you can with it.
Switzer said that her favorite memory of playing at Chessa Field was her first career start against Ball State in 2005. She has made 19 starts since then but said she still wonders where the time has gone.
Coming into your freshman year you think you have forever she said. A couple weeks ago Tiff and I were walking off the field and we started talking about it and said 'Oh my God we only have five games left.'
As someone who has had to say goodbye to six previous senior classes, Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said the importance of a senior's last few games at home is not lost on her.
This is a chance for them to dictate how they're going to be remembered and how they're going to make a mark on the end of their careers
she said.
Looking to spoil that moment this evening will be Kent State (8-7-1, 5-3 Mid-American Conference.) Led by midfielder Caitlin Hester's 13 points, the Golden Flashes are currently tied for third in the MAC.
Ohio (6-8-1, 4-3-1 MAC) will fight another conference rival on Sunday when they face Buffalo (7-8, 3-4 MAC.) The Bulls are paced by forward/midfielder Heidi Griffiths and forward/midfielder Brooke McCalla. Each has tallied 12 points and is looking to give the school its first winning record since 2003.
Tensions will be running high this weekend as a number of teams are jockeying for position in the MAC tournament. Switzer said she understands the importance of each game as the season comes to a close.
I expect a lot of competition
she said. Everybody's kind of in the middle of the pack right now
trying to get into the tournament. Luckily
we have three home games.
To make the most of those home games the Bobcats will need to find the back of the net, something they haven't done in three contests. Strauss said her squad has worked to fix that problem.
We've focused a bit more on creating chances
she said. We've continued to polish up our services
our passes in the final third
and certainly our shooting and finishing.
