Aug. 19, 2011
Columbus, Ohio – The eighth-ranked Ohio State women’s soccer team shut out visiting Xavier 1-0 in season-opening action at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium Friday evening.
“Number one, we got a shutout; number two, we got a win; number three, we created a ton of mismatches on the field,” said Ohio State coach Lori Walker, talking about the victory. “We certainly had enough opportunities in the box; we just didn’t take advantage of most of them.
“We wanted to work against the shape Xavier played in their 4-5-1 defense. I was glad with the patience we showed against that per possession. That will help us against Radford, which will show a similar shape. That’s good for a young midfield learning how to adjust and play different formations.
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The first goal of the season came just 5:14 into the action, on a eight-yard shot by Aly Walker off the rebound of a shot by Kendyl Reed; Paige Maxwell and Reed were credited with the assists.
Behind the starting back line of Danielle Scoliere, Megan Fuller, Lauren Granberg and Liz Sullivan, the Buckeyes played stifling defense, limiting the Musketeers to just two shots. Ohio State outshot Xavier 27-2 for the game and dominated in corner kicks 12-0.
Senior goalkeeper Katie Baumgardner recorded one save in the first half; sophomore Rachel Middleman was in goal during the second half. Xavier goalkeeper Katie Markesberry recorded nine saves.
Maxwell has moved to 10th place on the Ohio State all-time list in career points with 53, tying Danielle Dietrich (2002-05).
Six Ohio State freshmen saw their first collegiate action in the season opener: Kiiri Kuld and Ellyn Gruber (both starters) and Caroline Murray, Ashley Gruenbaum, Madison Beckley and Chelsy Swackhamer.
The 1-0 Buckeyes return to action at home Sunday, hosting Radford at 1 p.m.
