Two-Game Road Trip on Tap for Men’s Soccer – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/15/1998 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
September 15, 1998
COLUMBUS – Ohio State (1-2-2) looks to improve on it’s ailing record with a pair of road games this weekend. The Buckeyes will play a powerful Eastern Illinois (4-0-0) club on Friday at 3 p.m. at Charleston, Ill. and then open conference play against Northwestern (2-3-0), Sunday at 1 p.m. at Evanston, Ill.
OSU vs. EIU HISTORY
The series is tied 1-1-0 with EIU claiming the first match in 1971, 4-1 at Charleston. The Buckeyes won the last meeting in 1995, 3-1 in overtime at Columbus.
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
The Panthers are 4-0 on the season and have outscored opponents 10-3. Three of the four wins have come on the road as the team defeated Wisconsin-Green Bay 1-0 at Green Bay, Wis. and Missouri-Kansas City 4-1 and Eastern Michigan 4-1 at Peoria, Ill. In its only home match, EIU downed Dayton 2-1. Freshman forward Derrick Perry has netted two game-winning goals as a rookie and is tied for the team scoring lead with seven points (3G, 1A). In his past two contests he has recorded nine shots, one goal and one assist. Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Waguespack has 11 saves for the season and boasts a 0.82 goals against average.
OSU vs. NORTHWESTERN HISTORY
OSU leads the series 8-2-1 since the first meeting in 1989. The teams have met twice in a season two times (1992 and 1994), with OSU winning all four matches. The Buckeyes took last year’s contest with a 1-0 win at Columbus. The Buckeyes are 4-0 in road games at Evanston.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Northwestern will play Oral Roberts, Friday at 2 p.m. before hosting the Buckeyes. The Wildcats are on a two-game losing streak after Northern Illinois held on for a 2-1 win last week after scoring two goals in the first 30 minutes. Joe Cantwell leads the team for scoring with six points after netting three goals. The Wildcats opened the conference season early with a 3-1 loss to Michigan State at the Quality Suites Classic.
DIFFERENT FIELDS, SAME NAME
No, it is not a typographical error. Both Eastern Illinois and Northwestern have the same name for their home soccer facility – Lakeside Field. NU’s field rests upon the shore of Lake Michigan with the world famous Chicago skyline serving as a panoramic backdrop. EIU’s field is next to a lake that is located in the middle of the athletic complex. In fact, the lake is so close that, on game day, the Panthers average about two “water balls” per contest.
FEW BIG TEN MATCHES
Most teams have yet to begin conference play as Northwestern and Michigan State are the only teams so far to have competed. Ohio State vs. Northwestern is the only Big Ten match this week as conference games won’t really get underway until October.
FINISHING PROBLEMS STILL LINGERING
The Buckeyes had trouble finishing last season which led to a few too many draws and losses. Unfortunately, the same problem has surfaced this season as the margin between OSU’s offensive statistics and its opponents is slim.
TOMLINSON IS FASTEST BY FAR
Senior striker Craig Tomlinson is the fastest player to wear the Scarlet and Gray for some time. The speedster led the Central State 400 meter relay team to a victory at the 1996 outdoor championships and also placed third in the 55 meter dash and fourth in the long jump at the 1996 indoor championships, earning All-America status. He is believed to be the fastest player in college soccer this year.
BUCKEYES RANKED IN BIG TEN
After two weekends, OSU is fifth in the conference for scoring with 19 points, third for goalkeeping (0.71 GAA) and fifth for scoring by periods (3-3-0-0-6). Tomlinson is first for assists with three and tied for third for scoring (7P). Jon Lowery is tied for second for shutouts with 2.0, second for saves with 21 and is fourth for goals against average (0.70).
GREAT LAKES REGIONAL RANKINGS Regional rankings as of Sept. 14. 1. Indiana 3-1-0 2. Notre Dame 3-0-1 3. Akron 3-1-0 4. Bowling Green 3-1-1 5. Butler 3-1-0 6. Michigan State 4-1-0 7. Cincinnati 3-1-0 8. Oakland 2-1-0 9. Marquette 2-2-0 10. Xavier 3-1-0 Receiving votes – Louisville, Ohio State, Dayton, Marshall OSU’S PROBABLE STARTERS Keeper 1 Jon Lowery Left Back 3 Mark Rehklau Center Back 12 Matt Daniel Center Back 25 Chad Campbell Right Back 13 Greg Sadosky Left Flank 19 Casey Linkinhoker Center Mid 20 Sean Feldhaus Center Mid 16 Brooks Humphreys Right Flank 17 Tony Monroe Striker 8 Brian Feldhaus Striker 10 Peterson Jerome
HEAD COACH JOHN BLUEM
The 1975 Hartwick College graduate is the ninth-winningest active coach in NCAA Division I soccer. He is 98-36-16 for his seven year career and 12-9-4 (second year) as the Buckeye mentor. He took the 1997 Buckeye squad to the Big Ten Championship game for the first time in school history and also boasts the school’s only first team all-conference selection. Bluem was named conference coach of the year three times during his six-year stint at Fresno State and guided the Bulldogs to four conference championships and four NCAA tournament appearances.
MATCH FIVE VS. BOWLING GREEN
As the temperature topped out at 99 degrees, Ohio State and Bowling Green played to a 1-1 double overtime draw. Tomlinson came off the bench to put the Buckeyes up 1-0 in the 37th minute with his second goal of the season. Jason Ciminieri headed a ball over Adam Erhard that Tomlinson flicked with his head, beat Falcon keeper Scott Vallow to the loose ball and stroked it into the net past Vallow’s legs. The Falcons came back four minutes later as Fred Degland put in his second goal in two games when he picked up a deflected ball and buried it far post past a diving Lowery. The combination of the heat, 56 total fouls and lost opportunities for both teams led to a scoreless draw for the remaining 75 sweaty minutes.
MATCH FOUR AT BUTLER
The team dropped to 1-2-1 on the year with a 2-1 loss to Butler at Indianapolis Friday night. Jeremy Harkins put the Bulldogs on top 1-0 with four minutes remaining in the first half when he netted a long pass to the right post. Butler went up 2-0 five minutes into the second half when David Beck finished a beautiful play that was crossed, headed once and then headed into the net. OSU’s Sean Feldhaus brought the Buckeyes within one in the 69th minute when Tomlinson pushed him through the middle.
MATCHES TWO/THREE – NIKE CLASSIC
OSU won the third annual NIKE Soccer Classic after defeating Evansville 4-0 and tying Furman 0-0. The Buckeyes were declared tournament champions by winning the goals scored tie breaker. This marks the first time that the Buckeyes have won the tournament after losing in the championship match the previous two years.
MATCH ONE VS. DAYTON
The Flyers netted the lone goal of the contest in the 62nd minute when OSU was nabbed for a foul about 10 yards outside of the box. Junior defender Mark Schulte squeezed a free kick through the Ohio State wall that bounced off the post and barely crossed the line. Lowery pounced on the loose ball, but not before it had broken the plane. The Buckeyes had trouble finishing the entire game, a lingering problem that they experienced all last season. Four cautions and an ejection were dished out.
25 CHAD CAMPBELL – JR, DEF
Central defender that has size and skill. Combines with Matt Daniel to make the Buckeye back line tough to crack. Recorded a shot against Bowling Green. Took his first two shots of the year at Butler. Aided in shutting down Evansville and Furman for back-to-back shutouts. Named to the NIKE Classic all-tournament team. Assumed starting role against Dayton. Suffered a rough foul against the Flyers that went unpunished.
11 JASON CIMINIERI – JR, MID
A top reserve this season that may see some minutes as a starter. Assisted on Craig Tomlinson’s goal against Bowling Green. Also took one shot against the Falcons. Recorded a pair of shots at Butler. Came of the bench in all four contests this year.
12 MATT DANIEL – SR, DEF
Co-captain of the Buckeyes for the second year in a row. Ohio product that was heavily recruited nationally, but opted to wear the Scarlet and Gray. Humble, but still a vocal team leader. Tallied three shots last weekend at the NIKE Classic. Has never missed a start for his career. Mother was first OSU female trainer.
5 ROB ELY – JR, MID
Transfer that has stepped up and could possibly crack the starting lineup. Entered as a reserve against Bowling Green, Dayton and Evansville. Two-time all-conference player in high school.
8 BRIAN FELDHAUS – JR, STR
Pronounced FELD-house. Noted as the team’s best playmaker by head coach John Bluem. Plays with intensity and has a bit of flair and spirit. A passionate player that will go toe-to-toe with anyone. Tallied a pair of shots against Bowling Green. Took three shots at Butler, but couldn’t find the net. Named NIKE Classic MVP and earned a spot on the all-tournament team for his two-goal performance against Evansville. Currently tied for second in the conference for scoring with four points and for goals with two. Started against Dayton and ripped a shot that the Flyer keeper barely deflected.
9 SEAN FELDHAUS – SR, MID
Pronounced FELD-house (Just like his brother). Has played in every match in 1998, starting four times. Scored his first goal of the season at Butler. Missed almost all of last year after a gruesome compound fracture of his left arm. Got some work in against Dayton, coming off the bench. Booked for tripping against the Flyers.
16 BROOKS HUMPHREYS – SO, MID
Second team all-Big Ten as a redshirt freshman and only getting better. Has great size and control. Tallied one shot against Bowling Green. Assisted on Brian Feldhaus’ game-winning goal against Evansville. A NIKE Classic all-tournament selection. Named Big Ten Player of the Week once in 1997.
10 PETERSON JEROME – JR, STR
Forward that, like Tomlinson, can scoot and wiggle. Called “The Real Deal” by Bluem. Has speed, quickness and is a pure striker in every sense of the word. Recorded two shots against Bowling Green and just missed a goal with a close offside call. Netted one of the most spectacular goals that you will see in college soccer against Evansville when he drove home a bicycle kick volley that brought the crowd to its feet. The shot was a rocket. Was within inches of scoring against Dayton a couple of times.
19 CASEY LINKINHOKER – SR, MID
Midfield flanker that can (and will) play anywhere on the field. Very fast and physical. Professional potential. Recorded one shot at Butler. Started both games at the NIKE Classic but was hold to zero shots. Put up three shots in start against Dayton. Sent a few long crosses into the box for near goals vs. the Flyers.
1 JON LOWERY – SR, GK
Returns as the incumbent and is a co-captain for the second consecutive year. OSU’s first ever first team all-Big Ten selection. A hard worker. Gave up his first multiple goal game since last November at Maryland when Butler scored twice on him. Shutout both opponents at the NIKE Classic and is currently ranked fourth in the Big Ten for GAA. Played great against Dayton but was unlucky, giving up a questionable goal.
14 JOHN MONEBRAKE – FR, STR
Saw action in his first collegiate game against Dayton and has played in every game this year. District Player of the Year and co-Player of the year in the OCC Central. Recorded 65 G and 38 A for his high school career.
17 TONY MONROE – SO, MID
Like Linkinhoker, he can play anywhere. Walk-on that led OSU for scoring in 1997 and should see time in the midfield as well as up front this year. Has started every game in 1998. Managed one shot against Bowling Green. Took two shots at Butler. Recorded two shots against Dayton, one just over the crossbar off a deflection.
3 MARK REHKLAU – SR, DEF
Mainstay at left back that has missed only one start in his career. Assisted on Craig Tomlinson’s goal against Evansville. Started against Dayton. Limited to just four matches in 1997 after fracturing his left ankle early in the season. A second team all-Big Ten selection in 1996.
20 ROGER ROUSH – SO, MID
Earned G1 start against Dayton and has played in every contest this year. Cranked a shot against Bowling Green but sent it wide. Started 17 contests as a true freshman.
13 GREG SADOSKY – SR, DEF
Smooth. The team’s best one-on-one marking back. Intelligent player who is not afraid to get physical. Seems to always draw more than his fair share of fouls. Has started every game at right back. Was carded against Dayton. Second team all-Big Ten in 1997 and deservedly so.
6 CRAIG TOMLINSON – SR, FWD
Lethal. All-American sprinter with blazing speed and flair. Easily one of if not the fastest player in college soccer. Seriously…this Buckeye is fast. Netted a goal against Bowling Green flicking a Ciminieri ball to the ground and beating the keeper to the spot. Assisted on Sean Feldhaus’ goal at Butler. Entered in reserve against Evansville and tallied one goal and two assists, earning a Big Ten Player of the Week nomination. Recorded three of OSU’s four shots against Furman. Named to the NIKE Classic all-tournament team. Showed his true colors in G1 against Dayton, recording two shots and streaking by defenders in his limited minutes played.
18 ERIC VOUGHT – JR, MID
Transfer that has blended in quite well. Brings game experience which is a must. Will start off in a reserve role, but may crack the starting lineup by the end of the season.
1998 STANDINGS CONFERENCE OVERALL 1. Michigan State 1 0 0 1.000 4 1 0 .800 2. Indiana 0 0 0 .000 3 1 0 .750 Penn State 0 0 0 .000 3 1 1 .700 4. Northwestern 0 1 0 .000 2 3 0 .400 5. Ohio State 0 0 0 .000 1 2 2 .400 6. Wisconsin 0 0 0 .000 1 4 0 .200
Matches This Week WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Miami (O.) at Indiana
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Indiana vs. Central Florida Michigan State vs. Cal-State Northridge Oral Roberts at Northwestern Ohio State at Eastern Illinois Wisconsin at Drake
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Indiana vs. Jacksonville Penn State vs. American
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Ohio State at Northwestern Michigan State vs. Cal-State Fullerton Penn State vs. Virginia Commonwealth Wisconsin at Creighton
Conference Notes
PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SEPTEMBER 7
Rick Smith, Michigan State, So., MID
Last week’s player of the week Rick Smith has scored in MSU’s last four contests helping the Spartans to an overall record of 4-1-0. Two of his goals this past week included the game-winner in the overtime victory over Eastern Michigan (1-0) and the first goal in the 2-1 win over Cincinnati. Smith ranks tied for first in both the league’s scoring and goals statistic categories with eight points and four goals, respectively.
1998 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Sept. 7, Rick Smith, Michigan State, So., MID
Team Statistics
Scoring GP Sh G A PTS GA 1. Penn State 2 32 9 7 25 0 2. Northwestern 3 38 7 4 18 5 3. Michigan St. 3 33 5 5 15 3 4. Ohio State 3 21 4 4 12 1 5. Indiana 2 22 3 2 9 0 6. Wisconsin 2 37 1 0 1 5
Goalkeeping Sv ShO GAA CK PK-A 1. Indiana 6 2 0.00 18 0-0 Penn State 5 2 0.00 15 0-0 3. Ohio State 13 2 0.33 14 0-0 4. Michigan St. 8 0 0.94 21 0-0 5. Northwestern 16 1 1.67 6 0-0 6. Wisconsin 18 0 2.50 8 0-0
Scoring By Period 1 2 OT OT TOT 1. Penn State 5 4 0 0 9 2. Northwestern 2 5 0 0 7 3. Michigan St. 2 3 0 0 5 4. Ohio State 2 2 0 0 4 5. Indiana 1 2 1 0 3 6. Wisconsin 0 1 0 0 0
Individual Statistics
Scoring GP Sh G A PTS 1. Ricardo Villar, PSU 2 5 1 3 5 2. Jon Cantwell, NU 3 3 2 0 4 Brian Feldhaus, OSU 3 3 2 0 4 Jon McClay, PSU 2 4 2 0 4 David Mooradian, NU 3 4 2 0 4 Rick Smith, MSU 3 3 2 0 4 Brandon Swalve, NU 3 9 2 0 4 Craig Tomlinson, OSU 3 6 1 2 4
Goalkeeping GP M Sv SO GA GAA 1. Whit Gibson, PSU 2 178 5 2.0 0 0.00 T.J. Hanning, IND 2 190 6 2.0 0 0.00 Matt Keeler, NU 2 115 4 1.0 0 0.00 4. Jon Lowery, OSU 3 300 13 2.0 1 0.30 5. T.J. Lieckfelt, MSU 3 281 8 0.0 2 0.64 6. Tim Caprez, WIS 2 162 17 0.0 5 2.78
Note – all statistics for games played through Sept. 7.
