Ohio State then-redshirt sophomore goalie Parker Siegfried (1) sends the ball back downfield in the game against BGSU on Sep. 22, 2017. Ohio State won 1- 0. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Former Managing Editor for Design
Ohio State men’s soccer snapped a six-game losing streak to survive the first round of the Big Ten Tournament Saturday to earn a rematch with top-seeded Indiana.
The Buckeyes (7-10-1, 2-6-1 Big Ten) defeated Rutgers (7-8-3, 1-7-1) 1-0 to snap a six-game losing streak, outshooting the Scarlet Knights 15-6.
Senior goalkeeper Parker Siegfried recorded his sixth shutout of the season on six saves.
Redshirt sophomore forward Devyn Etling found the back of the net off a corner opportunity in the 64th minute to secure the game-winning goal. The score was Etling’s sixth of the season.
The Buckeyes had nine shots in the first half, but could not capitalize until Etling unknotted it. The corner cross came courtesy senior midfielder Jack Holland, his eighth assist of the season.
However, Rutgers did not go down without a fight. The Scarlet Knights had a variety of opportunities toward the end of the game, including an 82nd-minute corner, but could not convert.
Rutgers came down the field in the 89th minute with one last effort, but was stopped short by an offsides call. That would be the last call of the match, and ultimately led to closing time for Rutgers.
Ohio State put eight shots on goal to the Rutgers’ three, outshooting the Scarlet Knights in both halves.
The Buckeyes started the game fast with multiple shots by sophomore midfielder Xavier Green at the third and sixth minutes of the game but could not capitalize.
Rutgers freshman goalkeeper Oren Ashen made seven saves in a losing effort, allowing just one goal.
After their goal, the Buckeyes had a scoring opportunity in the 75th minute. Junior forward Matteo Bennati had a threatening bottom-left shot, but it was saved by Ashen.
Ohio State faces Indiana Sunday at 1 p.m. in Bloomington, Indiana.
