BGSU women’s soccer (1-0-0) began the season on a high note with a 1-0 victory over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (0-1-0) on a warm, sunny night at Cochrane Stadium.
Heading into the match against Oakland, the Falcons were projected to finish fifth in the MAC this season, according to the MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Falcons’ game-winning goal came in the 53rd minute of play from former Louisville and Kentucky junior forward Ella Kane. Who tapped home a cross from fellow transfer Isabella Mazzaferro to score her first career goal with the Orange and Brown.
“It’s been a long preseason, but we work so hard every single day, working on exactly that,” said Kane as she made her BG debut tonight at Cochrane Stadium. “Great pass by [Isabella] across the box. Something that Chris has been talking about with us a lot lately, so I’m glad we were able to put that one away.”
Redshirt-junior midfielder made her first collegiate start for Bowling Green in the win, along with four other Falcons.
“My initial thought was a stomach drop, I was excited but really nervous,” said redshirt-junior midfielder Jayna Searles post-match on getting her first career start tonight for the Falcons.
Entering her fourth season with BG, Fox gives Searles her props.
“A testament to her because she puts the work in not only on the field, but she’s asking lots of questions,” said second-year head coach Chris Fox about Searles.”
The contest remained scoreless after 45 minutes of play. Oakland University goalkeeper Maryn Weiger recorded one save as Bowling Green had seven total shots on goal.
Bowling Green had the dominant possession and kept the momentum in their favor. With possession of the ball 56% of the time in the first half, BG would have three corner kicks, while Oakland would have zero. Using offense to BGSU’s advantage, we would see seven different Falcons record a shot on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Payton O’Malley earned her first shutout of the season, having three saves on the Golden Grizzlies’ four shots in the first half.
The Falcons would have 10 total shots, double the amount of the Golden Grizzlies, who had five. Kane would have three shots tonight, but seven other Falcons would join her to take a crack at Weiger, who made two saves and one goal against tonight.
Showing tenacity and offensive pressure all night long resulted in the eventual goal by Kane that would give them the lead. While another would be scored by Ellie Pool in the 69′, with the goal eventually being overturned due to BGSU being offside.
“We need to solve some of the things that were not working tonight while also getting organized,” said Fox. “Obviously, it’s a different test when you go from Oakland to Illinois. I’m happy we’re at home. I know the girls will be ready.”
The Falcons have a short time to recover as they are back in action on Sunday at 1:00 pm to host the Illinois Fighting Illini at Cochrane Stadium.
