Bobcats Drop Contest at CMU, 1-0

by Brett Compton

September 23, 2012

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Experiencing defeat for just the first time in 30 days, Ohio Soccer’s six-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday when the Bobcats lost on the road at Central Michigan by a final score of 1-0.

Ohio ran into a high-powered Central Michigan offense, one which outshot the Bobcats by a 24-6 margin. A perennial offensive power in the MAC, the Chippewas have received votes in the NSCAA top 25 poll for the second straight season.

Mattie Liston (Lakewood, Ohio) made 11 saves in the loss, keeping the Bobcats within striking distance throughout the entire match. This impressive single-game save total is the second highest posted in Liston’s career and is the sixth highest in program history.

Central Michigan (6-3-1, 2-0 MAC) got on the board early in the first half, scoring in the fourth minute when Laura Gosse hit a long shot from 30 yards out. Liston initially appeared to have stopped the shot but the ball trickled in to make it 1-0 in favor of the Chippewas.

Erin Schwenke (Solon, Ohio) attempted to answer back in the 20th minute with a shot on goal. Her attempt was stopped by CMU’s Stefanie Turner, keeping the Chippewas ahead by a one-goal margin.

The hosts controlled much of the offensive play in the first half, outshooting the Bobcats by a 14-2 margin. Liston was an important part of this first half, making six saves. Her second stop of the afternoon moved her into second place all-time in Ohio’s goalkeeping record book.

Ohio (6-4, 1-1 MAC) fought back in the second half, trying to find the equalizing goal. Cathryn Rogers (Etobicoke, Ontario) ripped three shots in rapid succession, attempting to find the net in the 51st, 52nd and 55th minutes. Her first two attempts of the half went wide and her third one was blocked.

The Bobcats will next be in action on Friday, Sept. 28 when Miami comes to Chessa Field for an important Mid-American Conference East Division clash.

Ohio Starting XI (Numerically): Mattie Liston (GK), Maggie Murnane, Cathryn Rogers, Paige Howard, Erin Feeney, Veronica Rock, Erin Schwenke, Holly Harris, Gabby Hausfeld, Grace Campbell, Nicolle Varney