OSU Sophomore forward Marcus McCrary (19) dribbles the ball as Binghamton junior back Zach Galluzzo (4) pursues during an August 30. match at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. OSU lost, 0-1. Photo Credit: Muyao Shen / Assist. Photo Editor
The Ohio State men’s soccer team is looking to redeem itself this upcoming weekend after a tough opening weekend in the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic Tournament.
The Buckeyes (1-1-0) are preparing for a four-match road swing and plan to improve their record against No. 17 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (1-0-1) and Navy (1-0-1).
OSU struggled at times during its opening weekend against Cal State Fullerton and Binghamton, as the team lacked intensity and physicality.
The Buckeyes were able to get past Cal State Fullerton 2-0 on Friday. However, OSU struggled immensely to find its rhythm against Binghamton on Sunday, losing 1-0.
“This is a game that we need to win, we need to win at home,” OSU coach John Bluem said. “Binghamton I think is a good solid team. They had a successful season, but it’s a team I think we should have beaten.”
Members of the squad were not pleased with how they played, but they are looking to get back to practice this week to prepare for their weekend games.
“As a team I don’t think any of us played as well as we could have, as well as we would’ve liked to, especially in the second game,” senior midfielder Kyle Culbertson said. “So there is a lot of improvement, not just individually, but as a team.”
Wright State University swept the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic Tournament with a record of 2-0-0 followed by Binghamton, OSU and Cal State Fullerton.
They came, they saw
Many fans came out to support the Buckeyes, including OSU’s student section Block ‘O.’ Friday night’s game drew 721 fans, while Sunday’s had 1,126 in attendance.
Even though it was scorching hot, with Sunday’s game having a listed temperature of 78 degrees, the student section cheered loud and proud for the Scarlet and Gray, and ended the game singing “Carmen Ohio.”
Members of the soccer team said they enjoy the fans coming out to support them as they take on their opponents.
“The more the merrier,” junior defender and co-captain Tyler Kidwell said.
New face at goalkeeper
Chris Froschauer is a transfer from the University of Dayton, where he was a three-year starter for the Flyers.
Froschauer made his debut at OSU on Friday against Cal State Fullerton, where he had three key saves to preserve the Buckeye victory.
Despite their loss against Binghamton, Froschauer still played well, making two saves.
His performance during the tournament was good enough to get him, as well as his teammate Culbertson, selected to the Wolstein Classic All-Tournament team.
“It’s a good group of guys to be around. It’s fun and exciting, and it’s good players to play with too,” Froschauer said.
What’s next?
The Buckeyes are scheduled to continue their 2015 regular season against No. 17 University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Friday in Baltimore at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the Scarlet and Gray are set to face Navy at 4 p.m. in Annapolis, Maryland.
