The Indiana women’s soccer traveled to Athens, Ohio this past Sunday, securing a 3-2 win against the Ohio University Bobcats. Indiana’s win against the Bobcats marked its first road win of the season, a needed response after falling to Xavier and St. Louis. The Hoosiers head into the non‑conference stretch at 3‑2‑1.
Indiana opened the match with strong energy. Midfielder Paige Droner nearly scored a goal early in the game, missing her chance, but quickly made up for it. Droner took an early corner kick straight to defender Bella Haggerty who headed the ball into the net within the first six minutes of the game. The goal marked Haggerty’s third of the season. The Hoosiers kept the momentum going, keeping the plays on Ohio's half and forcing the Bobcats defense to pick up pace.
Midfielder Jenna Chatterton scored in the 12 minute, securing her second goal of the season. Maggie Ledwith, midfielder, earned a free-kick shortly after the goal, but the Hoosiers were unable to score. Ohio struggled at chances for any goals early. Forward Amaya Falzarano went down with an injury but returned to the game after a short pause.
Indiana didn't stop controlling the field during the first half. Goalkeeper Dani Jacobson denied the Bobcats any opportunities at a goal. Even with Indiana’s control over the field, the Bobcats eventually found their chance at a goal. Ohio's Jaimason Brooker scored past Jacobson, creating a 2-1 score. The Bobcats tried to gain any chance at another goal with corner kicks, but failed to capitalize.
Indiana entered halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half started with a change in goal for Indiana. Goalkeeper Emma Payton replaced Jacobson for Payton's first collegiate appearance. Ohio's Iro Fakinou was faced with a yellow card early into the second half. Defender Haden Vlcek pushed for a header, but went down with an injury shortly after. Vlcek was taken out of the game but shortly re-entered. Forward Emily Graham continued to show her impressive speed on the field. Graham quickly gained a chance at another goal, but Ohio's goalkeeper Bella Wyatt saved the ball.
Intensity picked up early during the second half. Payton and Indiana's defensive backline stayed strong, preventing Ohio from a chance to tie. Droner tried to land another goal but was saved by Ohio's goalkeeper. Payton delivered a save to prevent a tie. Defender Piper Coffield gained a free kick, and with 15 minutes left in the half, Coffield drove the kick straight to the net. Indiana was now up 3-1.
The pressure was on for the Bobcats, as now they were down two goals. Ohio continued to fight, earning them a penalty kick with under two minutes remaining. Ohio's Lillian Weller scored on Payton. Ohio then put the score at 3-2, cutting the Hoosiers lead to one.
The Hoosiers prevented any last efforts from the Bobcats. The final score was 3-2, stopping the Hoosiers’ two-game losing streak.
Indiana will return to action on Sept. 10, against Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska.
