Gophers Take Second Tough Loss of Weekend

Gophers defeated by Buckeyes 1-0

The Minnesota Golden Gophers lost their second game of the weekend on Sunday falling to the number 19 nationally ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

The game opened with few good chances for either side but Ohio State certainly had the better of play and possession at midfield. Minnesota also faced a tough wind that kept the ball in their own half more than they would have wished for.

Minnesota’s first good chance didn’t come until 24 minutes into the game when Tamara Strahota received a cross into the box from the left side. She sent a clever flicked header onto the path of Sarah Clancy. Clancy was a bit slow to react and the Buckeye defender beat her to the ball which would have allowed an open shot at goal with Ohio State goalkeeper Lauren Robertson caught out of position.

At the 30 minute mark Ohio State’s quick pace and speedy players almost caught Minnesota off guard. Ohio midfielder Karin Sendel received an early flighted cross at midfield. On the full volley and running with speed she popped a perfectly weighted ball onto the path of Lauren Steuer who was making a run on the left flank with no  marking. She received the ball but touched it a bit hard and wide of the goal allowing the Minnesota defense to cut down her angle, which forced her shot wide of target.

Ohio State came even closer 5 minutes later with a 40-yard free kick taken by midfielder Courtney Jenkins. She blasted a shot inches high of the goal and just over an outstretched Gopher goalkeeper Cat Parkhill.

The first half saw the Gophers outshot 6 to 1 but only 2 of those shots for the Buckeyes were on target as saves were 2-1 in Ohio State’s favor. The wind and the Buckeyes’ strong play contributed to a dominance in corner kicks for the Buckeyes 5 to 1.

The second half saw Minnesota with moments of better possession but it was Ohio State who made the best of their chances.

The Buckeyes took the lead from Minnesota in the 60th minute of play after a controversial corner kick was awarded to the visitors. The ball was struck well into the box and after several attempted shots by Ohio State and tried clearances by the Gophers, was played out to Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ Caitlyn Martin passed to Ashley Bowyer who was positioned at the top of the box. She blasted the ball low and to the far post. The ball took an impossible path through a swarm of players from both sides and into the Minnesota goal. Gopher goalkeeper Parkhill didn’t know much about the play as she was screened by a sea of players.

Minnesota had several chances in the game but none better than in the 73rd minute of play. Minnesota, who on this day looked the most dangerous on aerial attacks, was awarded a corner kick. The ball was played long to the far post. It was headed down to Katie Bethke at that same near post. She poked the ball across the goalmouth and Olivia Bagnall was there to strike the ball from 5 yards out. But the forward’s ball hit the underside of the cross bar, deflected back down to the ground and out of goal. The ball was then cleared by the Ohio State defense ending the Gopher chance to equalize and finishing their shots on goal for the day.

Shots on goal were even up in the second half with both teams taking 4. Minnesota also worked at evening up the corner kicks with a 4-1 advantage. The game was physical as the teams ended the match with 20 fouls total, 11 for Ohio State and 9 for the Gophers.

The Gophers now hit the road as they look to end their current two-game losing skid. This weekend they travel to Michigan and Michigan State on Oct. 23 and 25 respectively. Kickoff with the Wolverines is set for 2:00 p.m. (CT) moved up from the original 7:00 pm start. Game time with the Spartans is still scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (CT).

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