BGSU women’s soccer (6-4-3, 3-2-1) battled with the Buffalo Bulls (9-1-4, 4-1-2) in an intense 1-1 match.
The first half of the Falcons and Bulls match showed how stout both teams are defensively, as only one shot was taken in the first 20 minutes by Bulls senior forward Jasmine Guerber, which was saved by Falcons freshman goalkeeper Payton O’Malley.
Guerber would get another chance soon after her first attempt but pushed the shot wide left of the post.
Buffalo would get another fantastic look from fifth-year midfielder Olivia Bizzoni, who went scorching past teammate Guerber’s head into the goal but would be called back after an offsides call by Buffalo.
The rest of the first half can be compiled with a multitude of fantastic saves from O’Malley, who had a total of nine shots coming her way. O’Malley saved all four of the shots on target in the first half.
“She has been growing her performances every week. She’s able to make big saves. I think she’s getting better every week, and she’s growing confidence, which is great,” said head coach Chris Fox, postgame about O’Malley.
The Orange and Brown defense would bend but never break in the first half, not allowing a goal to the Bulls. The Falcons also had zero fouls committed in the first half, which tied an NCAA record.
The second half was a complete 180 turn from the first 45’ as the Bulls came out quick, trying to strike offensively.
Bowling Green’s first true attempt to score in the second half was canceled by an offsides call on the Orange and Brown. BGSU only had three shots on the day.
Buffalo tried to make a late-game push with 20 minutes remaining, which worked out in favor of the Bulls as they struck a goal in the 73rd minute by freshman midfielder Carolyn Hinkle for the first goal of her career.
The Orange and Brown would answer quickly as they get a spectacular cross from sophomore midfielder Michelle Hochstadt into the box, where sophomore midfielder Emily Hollar slips one past the line for a goal in the 75th minute for the Falcons.
Buffalo had one last chance to try and take the lead as junior defender Ellie Simmons sent one into the box from across the field, but Payton O’Malley made another fantastic save to protect the tie.
This is the third straight tie between the two teams, with today’s match being the first one not to end 0-0. BGSU is still in fourth place in the MAC with a 3-2-2 record in the conference.
Next up on the schedule for the Falcons are the Central Michigan Chippewas in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m.
