Oct. 20, 2017
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The No. 18 Ohio State women’s soccer team topped Minnesota, 2-1, Friday night at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. With the win, the Buckeyes improve to 13-3-1 overall, 8-2-0 in the Big Ten, and can clinch at least a share of the conference regular-season title with the season finale set for 7 p.m. Wednesday against Indiana. With the loss, the Golden Gophers fall to 10-4-3, 6-3-1 in conference play.
The Buckeyes can win the Big Ten regular-season championship outright with at least a draw against Indiana or a Penn State loss or draw at Wisconsin Wednesday night.
“I am so proud of this team and the entire staff,” Lori Walker-Hock, Ohio State head coach, said. “There is no better feeling for a group of hard-working players than to be crowned champions. Our seniors really stepped up tonight. They have seen a lot in their time as Buckeyes. All of the ups and downs made them into a cohesive group with a single focus. The level of commitment and trust in our locker room is special to be a part of. I’m just so happy for each individual that makes up this special program.”
WALTS GIVES OSU THE LEAD
In the 11th minute, Nikki Walts possessed just inside midfield, dribbled past a pair of Minnesota defender and ripped a shot inside the left post to give Ohio State the 1-0 lead.
EDWARDS ADDS TO IT IN THE 15TH
Less than five minutes later, Arden Holden played a corner from the right wing toward the center of the box, where Sammy Edwards finished for her team-high eighth of the year and a 2-0 advantage.
WALTS ALMOST MAKES IT 3-0
With less than five minutes remaining in the half, Walts possessed off a failed clearance and hit a volley from 25 yards that Minnesota goalkeeper Kailee Sharp was able to deflect just over the crossbar.
GOPHERS CUT THE LEAD IN HALF
In the 57th minute, Minnesota earned a penalty kick against the run of play off an Ohio State hand-ball and Julianna Gernes converted past Buckeye goalkeeper Devon Kerr to make it a 2-1 contest.
EDWARDS COMES CLOSE TO ANSWERING BACK
On the ensuing kick, Edwards possessed off a Minnesota turnover and tried a shot from 18 yards but Sharp was able to dive to her right to narrowly deflect it wide of the left post.
FIEDLER WITH A CHANCE AT AN EQUALIZER
In the 78th minute, Molly Fiedler possessed off a corner from the right wing and hit a shot from 12 yards that sailed just over the crossbar as the Buckeyes kept the 2-1 advantage.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Shots: Minnesota 18, Ohio State 9
Saves: Minnesota 5, Ohio State 2
Shots on Goal: Ohio State 7, Minnesota 3
Corner Kicks: Minnesota 6, Ohio State 4
BUCKEYE BITS
– Ohio State has clinched at least a share of its first Big Ten regular-season title for the second time in program history after sharing the conference crown with Penn State in 2010.
– Sammy Edwards moved into sole possession of 10th on the Ohio State career goals list with 25 and 10th on the Buckeyes’ career points list with 59.
– Ohio State improved to 35-1-2 when scoring at least two goals in a game since the start of 2014.
– The Buckeyes improved to 13-0-0 when scoring first in 2017 after going 10-0-1 a year ago.
UP NEXT
Ohio State hosts Indiana in its regular-season finale at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bert L. & Iris S. Wolstein Field at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Match: No. 18 Ohio State at Minnesota
Date: Oct. 20, 2017
Venue: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Attendance: 1,160
Weather: Clear and 69 degrees
| Scoring Summary | 1 | 2 | F |
| OSU | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| MINN | 0 | 1 | 1 |
