Oct. 5, 2007

Box Score

ATHENS, Ohio - In a game pitting two teams tied for first in the MAC with undefeated conference marks, only one team could escape with its perfect record still intact.

Ohio and Ball State played a defensive battle on Friday afternoon before 289 fans at Chessa Field but a late goal by forward Emily Rein propelled the Cardinals past the Bobcats, 1-0.

In the 77th minute, midfielder Katelyn Alexander lofted a pass over the Ohio defense and Rein battled with Ohio defender Sarah Brown (North Royalton) down the field but managed to slip a shot by Jess MacLean (Loveland) to the far post for the game-winning goal.

Ohio had its best chances of the game after halftime with six second half corner kicks but the Bobcats could not convert on the set pieces and the Cardinals escaped Athens undefeated in MAC play. Ohio took nine total corner kicks, while Ball State did not take any.

MacLean allowed her 11th goal in 10 games and has held opponents to one goal or less in the last five games. MacLean played all 90 minutes of the game, pushing her total time in the net this season to 923:43. Mary McPhail (West Des Moines, Iowa) also played the full 90 minutes. Brown's 53 minutes on the pitch was the most of any sub.

Alyssa Warren (Dublin) and Rein took both of their respective teams' shots on goal.

The Bobcats took 10 shots in the game compared to Ball State's four while the Cardinals 11 fouls were one more than Ohio.

Both teams were whistled for one offside penalty a piece.

Ohio will be back in action on Sunday with a battle against Miami at 1 p.m. at Chessa Field.