Oct. 16, 2009

Box Score

ATHENS, Ohio - Laura Dieter's goal late in the 70th minute proved to be the difference as Ohio soccer picked up a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ball State Friday evening at Chessa Field. With the win, the Bobcats extended their unbeaten streak to six games.

Ohio dominated the possession nearly the entire match, outshooting the Cardinals 15-5 on the day. The `Cats defense was also strong as they kept Ball State away from the goal and did not allow the Cardinals any serious scoring opportunities. Erin Schwenke (Solon, Ohio) paced Ohio's offense with four shots on the day. Dieter (Wheaton, Ill.) tallied two shots on the day, including her goal, which was her first of the season. Ainsley Bodi (Strongsville, Ohio) also recorded a pair of shots, while Jackie Hanson (LaGrange, Ill.) and Lauren Burke (Medina, Ohio) each picked up an assist.

"We've been continuing to review our offensive possession, and it came together today," Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said. "We were able to get chances, because everyone was on the same page. We stayed composed and focused today, and it was great to see Laura Dieter get the goal. It was well earned."

The `Cats came out on a roll and kept the ball on BSU's side of the pitch nearly the entire first half. Dieter nearly put an early score on the board, but the Cardinals' keeper made a nice save to keep the tally scoreless. BSU had an opportunity of its own to tie the score in the 24 th minute, but Ohio keeper Jess MacLean (Loveland, Ohio) made the stop.

Cathryn Rogers (Toronto, Ontario) came within an eyelash of putting the first score on the board in the 59 th minute, but her shot hit off the crossbar. BSU managed to hold off two other quick Ohio tries to keep it scoreless. Dieter finally broke through late in the 70th minute when she took a Hanson attempt that had deflected off the keeper and knocked it into the top of the net. The `Cats defense took care of the rest as Ohio picked up the win.

The `Cats will be back at Chessa Field Sunday when they welcome rival Miami for Senior Day. First touch is set for 1 p.m.