Ohio State then-sophomore midfielder Joshua Jackson-Ketchup (10) plays the ball forward during the second half of the Ohio State-Rutgers game on Sep. 30, 2018. Ohio State lost 3-2. Credit: Cody Mefferd | For the Lantern
Ohio State let a late lead slip Wednesday to drop 2-1 to Kentucky for its third loss in four games.
The Buckeyes (6-6-1) took the lead 1-0 after a 53rd-minute goal by sophomore midfielder Xavier Green. No. 20 Kentucky (7-2-3) found two late goals four minutes apart, including an 84th-minute game-winning score by junior midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar.
The Wildcats tied the game 1-1 at the 80th minute with a goal scored by sophomore midfielder Robert Screen.
Down 2-1 with time dwindling, Ohio State attempted to strike back. The Buckeyes produced a shot off a corner kick in the final minute, courtesy of junior midfielder Joshua Jackson-Ketchup, but he could not convert the equalizer.
Kentucky outplayed Ohio State in both halves tonight. In the first half, Kentucky struck eight shots to Ohio State’s one. In the second half, Kentucky produced 11 shots to the Buckeyes’ five.
The Wildcats placed six shots on net, while Ohio State’s lone shot on goal was Green’s score, which was his second of the season.
Senior midfielder Jack Holland assisted on the goal, adding to his team lead with 14 points on four scores and six assists.
The Buckeyes continue to struggle, but have the opportunity to end the rough stretch on Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Michigan State.
