Bobcats warm up for MAC Tournament

by Lonnie McMillan
THE POST

The Ohio soccer team plays host to the Ohio State Buckeyes today at Shafer Street Field.

The Bobcats (9-8 overall) have won three straight. On Sunday, Ohio's offense exploded in a 7-2 victory against Northern Illinois.

"We've peaked at the right time," coach Stacy Strauss said. "We need to continue our finishing, defensive organization, hard work and press on the field."

Ohio State (5-12) is on a four-game losing streak. The Buckeyes concluded Big Ten play Sunday, losing 1-0 to sixth-ranked conference champion Penn State.

"They've been down," forward Jen Barber said. "We want to keep them there."

Despite an unimpressive record, Strauss said the game against the Buckeyes will be difficult.

"They'll play tough," Strauss said. "They have good players. They play a very tough season in the Big Ten. They'll certainly be a team that will be a challenge to us."

Last year, Ohio beat the Buckeyes in Columbus 3-0.

"It can be a confidence booster for our team if we beat them since they are a Big Ten school," midfielder Meghan McCoy said.

The game is the last regular season game of the year for the Bobcats. They open MAC Tournament play Oct. 31 at Miami.

Strauss said playing Ohio State will be good preparation for the tournament.

"Ohio State is as good or better than anyone we'll face in the tournament," Strauss said.

The game is at 1 p.m. today at Shafer Street Field.