COLUMBUS, Ohio –Ohio State (3-1-3) scored a pair of second-half goals in less than two minutes to win 2-1 at Illinois (4-3-1) Sunday in Champaign.
Lori Walker-Hock, head coach of the Buckeyes, said bench play was key to the victory.
“What a great team effort and win,” Walker-Hock said. “Some games the starters are being shut down because of the opponent’s game plan. Illinois gave us many problems to solve. Several reserves came in during the second half and changed the tone of the match. Chloe Delyser was our player of the match for the quality of her hold up play as our center forward.”
Kayla Fischer notched her fourth of the season and 13th career goal in the 65th minute to tie the game at 1-all. She shot five times, twice on goal. Brittany Duncan had the assist, her fourth of the year.
Kayla Fischer with her fourth of the season and 13th career goal to tie the game at 1-all. Check it out. pic.twitter.com/ckwOln7HpF
— Ohio State WSOC (@OhioStateWSOC) March 21, 2021
Less than two minutes later, Izzy Rodriguez connected from right out front off an Ohio State corner kick to take the lead in the 66th. It was the first goal of the season for Rodriguez and sixth of her career. The goal came off the only shot she took in the game.
Izzy Rodriguez gives the Buckeyes a 2-1 lead with her first of the year and sixth career goal. pic.twitter.com/rw1MXRHCN5
— Ohio State WSOC (@OhioStateWSOC) March 21, 2021
The Illini struck first after a scoreless first half with a goal in the 53rd minute.
Each team put seven shots on net and each earned five corners.
Ohio State senior keeper Baily Kolinsky was credited with three saves in the win.
The Buckeyes face Indiana Thursday at 2 p.m. at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus. The game will be televised by The Big Ten Network. The home season will continue at noon Sunday, March 28 against Northwestern.
#GoBuckeyes
