Ohio State senior midfielder Parker Grinstead (10) celebrates with his teammates after his penalty kick goal at 59′. Grinstead scored twice, helping the Buckeyes defeat the Huskies 3-1 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal. Credit: Ohio State Athletics
Despite a slow start, the Buckeyes are advancing to the 2024 Big Ten Finals after defeating Washington.
No. 1 Ohio State beat the No. 19 Washington Huskies 3-1 thanks to a two-goal performance from midfielder Parker Grinstead Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium in the semifinals of the 2024 Big Ten Tournament.
Washington nearly took the lead in the 21st minute when defender Conner Lebber had a one-on-one attempt against goalkeeper Max Trejo, but missed the shot.
Ohio State had few opportunities in the first half, finishing with a season-low three shots, compared to Washington’s six.
In the second half, a yellow card against Lebber proved to be the Buckeyes’ turning point.
Ohio State was awarded a penalty kick and Grinstead buried the ball into the top right corner of the Huskies’ net to give Ohio State a 1-0 lead.
Grinstead added a second score moments later, volleying a pass into the left side of the net to extend Ohio State’s lead to two.
In the 70th minute, the Buckeyes extended their lead as defender Siggi Magnusson tapped the ball into the bottom middle of Washington’s net, thanks to assists from midfielders Marko Borkovich and Thomas Gilej.
The Huskies got on the board in the 76th minute, when a shot from midfielder Peter Kingston was deflected off Gilej into the net, making it 3-1.
However, it was too late as the Buckeyes held on to claim a trip to the finals.
Ohio State will return to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium for the Big Ten Championship match to face their archrivals, the Michigan Wolverines Sunday at 3 p.m.
