Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Top-Ranked Offense, Consistent Defense Leads to Record Start
10/1/2024 1:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Ohio State off to program best 7-0-2 record to open season
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State's men's soccer team, ranked No. 4 with a 7-0-2 record, has been on an unprecedented tear this season thanks to an electrifying offense and durable defense.
Led by a potent mix of skill, depth and a willingness to share the spotlight, the Buckeyes have developed a successful method to the way they approach the game.
Junior midfielder Luciano Pechota highlighted the team's newfound confidence.
"The biggest thing is we have a lot of guys that can put the ball in the back of the net," Pechota, a midfielder from Avon, Ohio, said. "In the past, we struggled to score and had to rely on our defense."
This shift in offensive firepower is palpable on the field, where a combination of seasoned veterans and dynamic newcomers is paying dividends.
Heading into the match at Michigan Friday (7 p.m./B1G+), Ohio State is among the Top 5 nationally in scoring offense (5th/2.67 goals per game), shots per game (3rd/19.56), shots on goal per game (1st/8.56), corner kicks per game (1st/8.44), goal differential (1st/+18) and won-lost percentage (1st/.889).
One of the standout players this season is senior midfielder Michael Adedokun, whose contributions have been pivotal.
"Having a player like Mikey is amazing," Pechota said. "Our whole team knows that when we give him the ball, he can produce things for us. Mikey is a phenomenal kid, phenomenal player and can win us games."
Adedokun, who leads Ohio State in points (12) and is tied for the top spot in both goals (4) and assists (4) praised the team's collective effort.
"Whenever we score, everyone celebrates together," Adedokun, who hails from Eruwa, Nigeria, said. "It doesn't matter who scores the goal."
Ohio State's approach to scoring has become more fluid and threatening this season.
"I think we are a lot more dynamic of a team this year," Pechota, who also has four goals this season, said. "We can move the ball well and are very athletic."
This adaptability is reflected in their productivity, where players continuously rotate positions, allowing for an unpredictable and relentless offensive attack.
Adedokun said there is healthy competition within the squad.
"When you have a lot of competition within the team, you want to bring out your best," Adedokun said. "Not many teams have the competition like we do in our attack."
This depth means any player on the front line can step up, making it difficult for opposing defenses to find their footing.
"For me personally, I want to do what is best for the team," Adedokun said. "I'm a good dribbler, so I can take guys one-on-one. When I do that and see a guy in the right spot, I prefer to share the ball."
This unselfish play fosters an environment where success is celebrated collectively, reinforcing the bond within the squad.
While the offense has been turning heads, the defense is deserving of attention as well. Ohio State leads the nation in goal differential (+18/24 goals for, 6 against).
The players have a lighthearted motivation for their defensive efforts - a promise of chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from Brian Maisonneuve, head coach of the Buckeyes, after a shutout. This blend of fun and accountability has kept the team committed on both ends of the field. Ohio State has five shutouts to its credit to date.
Matt Foldesy, who has been an assistant coach with the Buckeyes for the last seven seasons, has seen considerable progress this season.
"I think we definitely are deeper than we were last year with the injuries," Foldesy said. "We can make a lot of rotations and almost not miss a beat."
This depth has allowed the Buckeyes to maintain a high pace and intensity throughout matches.
Foldesy said there is a constructive collaboration between the offense and defense.
"We always say defense wins championships and they have been really good back there," Foldesy said of the Ohio State defenders. "It definitely starts our attacks."
The commitment to pressing and winning the ball back quickly creates opportunities for the offense to capitalize, resulting in a seamless transition from defense to an offensive attack.
As the season progresses, the Buckeyes remain on the hunt for greater things.
"The boys can feel it, they can taste it and it looks like they are hungry around the goal," Foldesy said.
With a potent mix of talent, teamwork and a relentless drive to improve, Ohio State's men's soccer team is poised to make a serious impact in college soccer this season.
Led by a potent mix of skill, depth and a willingness to share the spotlight, the Buckeyes have developed a successful method to the way they approach the game.
Junior midfielder Luciano Pechota highlighted the team's newfound confidence.
"The biggest thing is we have a lot of guys that can put the ball in the back of the net," Pechota, a midfielder from Avon, Ohio, said. "In the past, we struggled to score and had to rely on our defense."
This shift in offensive firepower is palpable on the field, where a combination of seasoned veterans and dynamic newcomers is paying dividends.
Heading into the match at Michigan Friday (7 p.m./B1G+), Ohio State is among the Top 5 nationally in scoring offense (5th/2.67 goals per game), shots per game (3rd/19.56), shots on goal per game (1st/8.56), corner kicks per game (1st/8.44), goal differential (1st/+18) and won-lost percentage (1st/.889).
One of the standout players this season is senior midfielder Michael Adedokun, whose contributions have been pivotal.
"Having a player like Mikey is amazing," Pechota said. "Our whole team knows that when we give him the ball, he can produce things for us. Mikey is a phenomenal kid, phenomenal player and can win us games."
Adedokun, who leads Ohio State in points (12) and is tied for the top spot in both goals (4) and assists (4) praised the team's collective effort.
"Whenever we score, everyone celebrates together," Adedokun, who hails from Eruwa, Nigeria, said. "It doesn't matter who scores the goal."
Ohio State's approach to scoring has become more fluid and threatening this season.
"I think we are a lot more dynamic of a team this year," Pechota, who also has four goals this season, said. "We can move the ball well and are very athletic."
This adaptability is reflected in their productivity, where players continuously rotate positions, allowing for an unpredictable and relentless offensive attack.
Adedokun said there is healthy competition within the squad.
"When you have a lot of competition within the team, you want to bring out your best," Adedokun said. "Not many teams have the competition like we do in our attack."
This depth means any player on the front line can step up, making it difficult for opposing defenses to find their footing.
"For me personally, I want to do what is best for the team," Adedokun said. "I'm a good dribbler, so I can take guys one-on-one. When I do that and see a guy in the right spot, I prefer to share the ball."
This unselfish play fosters an environment where success is celebrated collectively, reinforcing the bond within the squad.
While the offense has been turning heads, the defense is deserving of attention as well. Ohio State leads the nation in goal differential (+18/24 goals for, 6 against).
The players have a lighthearted motivation for their defensive efforts - a promise of chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from Brian Maisonneuve, head coach of the Buckeyes, after a shutout. This blend of fun and accountability has kept the team committed on both ends of the field. Ohio State has five shutouts to its credit to date.
Matt Foldesy, who has been an assistant coach with the Buckeyes for the last seven seasons, has seen considerable progress this season.
"I think we definitely are deeper than we were last year with the injuries," Foldesy said. "We can make a lot of rotations and almost not miss a beat."
This depth has allowed the Buckeyes to maintain a high pace and intensity throughout matches.
Foldesy said there is a constructive collaboration between the offense and defense.
"We always say defense wins championships and they have been really good back there," Foldesy said of the Ohio State defenders. "It definitely starts our attacks."
The commitment to pressing and winning the ball back quickly creates opportunities for the offense to capitalize, resulting in a seamless transition from defense to an offensive attack.
As the season progresses, the Buckeyes remain on the hunt for greater things.
"The boys can feel it, they can taste it and it looks like they are hungry around the goal," Foldesy said.
With a potent mix of talent, teamwork and a relentless drive to improve, Ohio State's men's soccer team is poised to make a serious impact in college soccer this season.
#GoBucks
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Men's Soccer
Midfielder
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