The Bobcats (1-1-0) started their 2026 season strong with a 2-1 win against the University of Illinois Chicago (0-2-2). Meaghan Cochrane led the team to victory by scoring two unassisted goals. UIC scored first, and Cochrane tied it up as the first half ended. Her second goal sealed the win for the Bobcats with only 10 minutes on the clock.
Cochrane, a freshman midfielder from Ontario, Canada, joins Ohio with an impressive playing career already. She played for Team Ontario in the 2025 Canada Games, where her team won gold. As a captain of her club team and Team Ontario, she brings valuable leadership experience.
The next matchup, against Marshall University, was postponed. The match has yet to be rescheduled.
On Sunday, the Bobcats lost 3-2 in a tight contest with Northern Kentucky University (3-0-0). Senior Jaimason Brooker and freshman Camille Francis each scored. NKU took advantage of a penalty kick to score, then buried another goal two minutes later. Brooker found the back of the net just after halftime. NKU scored again before Francis got the Bobcats within one via an assist from senior Kate Robinson.
Head coach Aaron Rodgers continues his tenure for his 14th season. He has steadily improved Ohio’s success over the years. He earned Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year in 2022. His promising freshman recruits already showed their potential. He will aim to coach the experienced upperclassmen back to the MAC tournament after missing it last year.
Ohio’s starting goalie from last season graduated. Freshman Ayla Rammel steps into her cleats. So far, Rammel has saved eight out of 12 shots against. She comes from an athletic family. Two of her cousins played for Ohio, and her parents both played collegiate athletics.
Returning for her junior season, Iro Fakinou is the offensive player to watch. The midfielder from Greece led the Bobcats with nine points last year. Her four goals tied for most on the team as well. She was also the only Bobcat to score on a penalty kick.
Ohio plays its next three games at home on Chessa Field. They start with Mercyhurst University (0-3-0) on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. Mercyhurst lost its first three matches, but the Bobcats cannot get complacent.
Before the match, the Bobcats will celebrate their seniors: Brooker, Anna Burchett, Rylee Mensel, Melia Peer and Robinson. Together, the seniors totaled five goals and seven assists last year.
Then, the Bobcats face off against the University of Pittsburgh (2-1-1) on Sep. 3 and Indiana University (2-0-1) on Sep. 6.
