Soccer fans who like to see a lot of goals might be bored this afternoon when the Ohio soccer team plays host to Central Michigan.
The Bobcats (7-4-2 overall, 6-0-2 Mid-American Conference) are riding an eight-game shutout streak, dating back to Sept. 12. The Chippewas (7-4-2, 5-1-2 MAC), meanwhile, have put together an impressive string of games as well, having shut out their last five opponents.
Not surprisingly, Ohio and Central Michigan sit at Nos. 1 and 2 in the MAC, respectively. For the Bobcats, it is their second 1-2 showdown, having preserved its perch atop the MAC against then-second-place Miami two weeks ago.
The stakes are higher
Ohio back Crystal Reed said about today's game. They're on the same streak as we are. I feel like this is going to be pretty much the MAC Championship.
A spot in the MAC Tournament is virtually in the bag for both teams -one more win for Ohio will clinch a berth -but the winner of today's game will be considerably closer to the coveted No. 1 seed and home-field advantage for the tourney.
We're getting close to it so that's a motivation. What comes with that is winning the MAC title as well and that's been a motivation from the beginning
coach Stacy Strauss said. (A win) will definitely give us more breathing room
and the momentum of that should carry us through.
The going doesn't get any less tough for Ohio on Sunday. The visiting Eastern Michigan Eagles (8-3-3, 4-2-2 MAC) boast the MAC's strongest offense. They lead the MAC in goals scored both overall and in-conference, and forward Jessica Hupe leads the MAC in points (25) and points per game (1.79).
Ohio forward Kelly Prandi said the two-game set won't be easy.
Every weekend's been big
but this weekend's especially big
she said. I expect Central and Eastern to be tough opponents. Last year
we lost to both of them in overtime
so I expect hard play for the entire game. I expect a battle
both games
for 90 minutes.
The Chippewas and the Eagles are two of only three teams in the MAC against whom Ohio has a losing record all-time. The Bobcats are 2-5 (2-2 at home) against Central Michigan and 3-5-1 (2-1 at home) against Eastern Michigan.
The Bobcats are chasing or building several records, as well. Goalkeeper Michelle Meglaughlin's 824 straight shutout minutes is ninth in NCAA history, and eight straight shutouts is already a school record. Midfielder Kendra Hornschemeier, with 30 career assists, is one shy of the MAC record. Last, and perhaps the crown jewel, is that Ohio could become the first team in MAC history to assemble an undefeated regular season if it can avoid a loss in its final four games.
Strauss said the Bobcats try not to think about statistics, though.
It's been fun
