Bobcats strike late in the game

by Lonnie McMillan
Staff Writer

The Ohio soccer team won its second game in a row by only a goal in the closing minutes yesterday against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

Ohio forward Christel Schiering booted the ball past Eastern Michigan goalkeeper Aryn McCumber in the 84th minute to give the Bobcats (2-3, 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference) a 2-1 victory against the Eagles at Scicluna Field in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Schiering blasted the ball into the upper left corner of the net, and midfielder Kendra Hornschemeier and midfielder Nicki Pendleton picked up the assists.

Back Carolyn Valade said winning a tough opening MAC game against Eastern Michigan should propel the Bobcats into the rest of the conference schedule.

"This was a huge win for us because we need the confidence to start MAC play," she said. "Eastern Michigan is a tough team for us. It was a battle."

It was the second straight game Ohio has won in the final minutes. The Bobcats beat Louisville 2-1 Monday on a goal by midfielder Abby Leopold in the 87th minute.

Coach Stacy Strauss said the late goals show much determination from the team.

"We talked a lot about fighting for 90 minutes and having some resiliency," she said. "We definitely did that today."

Schiering's goal was her second of the game and third of the season. The first score came in the 18th minute when Schiering deflected the ball above McCumber's head.

"The first one was off of my shin and kind of went straight up and off the goalie's fingers and into the top of the goal," Schiering said.

The Eagles (4-2, 1-2) scored their only goal on a penalty shot by back Jessica Hupe in the 70th minute.

Strauss said she was pleased with how the Bobcats responded after losing their first three games.

"We played very well," she said. "Our communication and organization was far better than what we've seen this year. We were very happy with how we played."

Ohio will play host to Marshall in its first MAC home game of the season 1 p.m. Sunday at Shafer Street Field.