Two second-half goals in a 12-minute stretch helped the No. 8 Michigan women’s soccer team defeat visiting Ohio State 2-0 Saturday night.
The loss to the Wolverines will prevent the Buckeyes from getting a chance to defend their Big Ten Tournament championship next weekend in Champaign, Ill.
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening half with the Buckeyes holding a 9-7 lead in shots. OSU freshman forward Nichelle Prince had three of the five shots on goal late in the half.
Michigan could not convert on their three corner kicks in the first half, but early in the second half their fortunes would change. Senior forward Shelby Chambers-Garcia found the back of the net off a corner kick from freshman forward Madisson Lewis, giving the Wolverines a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute.
OSU would press to tie, but freshman goalkeeper Taylor Bucklin saved shots on goal from senior defender Danica Wu and sophomore defender Marisa Wolf.
A little more than a minute after Wolf’s shot, Michigan would add on to the lead as senior forward Nkem Ezurike outran the defense, and netted her 11th goal of the season to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead.
The Buckeyes would wind up with a total of 10 shots in the second half, but could not get past Bucklin, who finished the day with seven saves, improving her record to 15-2-1 on the season.
OSU will have to wait and see if it gets a berth in the NCAA tournament. The selection show is on NCAA.com at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 11.
