Ohio State graduate defender Siggi Magnusson (30) and Michigan senior defender/midfielder Jason Bucknor (7) chase after the ball during the Big Ten tournament match against Michigan Sunday. The Buckeyes defeated the Wolverines 1-0. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
The Buckeyes are seeking a semifinal berth against the Demon Deacons in their last home game of the season.
No. 1 Ohio State is gearing up for its quarterfinal matchup against Wake Forest in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Soccer Division I Tournament at 5 p.m. Saturday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
The Buckeyes entered the round of eight following a win against Stanford, where the Buckeyes prevailed 4-2 in penalty kicks after a scoreless match that needed double overtime.
“Knowing that, we can go to PKs [penalty kicks], we can do well,” midfielder David Wrona said. “I mean, Stanford is one of the best teams known for winning in PKs. So, having that with us, it definitely is a morale booster.”
Wake Forest is currently tied for No. 5 in the ACC with 36 total goals, led by midfielder Cooper Flax who has garnered nine. Midfielders Basit Umar, Dylan Borso, Babacar Niang and forward Ryan Belal have four apiece as well.
“They’ll play the same style: very possession-oriented, very technical players,” head coach Brian Maisonneuve said. “This is a very athletic team as well. Their back four is extremely athletic, but they like to move the ball. The mobility of their front six is impressive.”
Entering the matchup, Ohio State currently has the highest winning percentage in program history at .850, behind the second-most wins ever with 15. Maisonneuve’s team closely trails the John Bluem-led 2007 team, which had 17.
The Buckeyes currently have the most goals in their program’s history with 48, nine of which are credited to midfielder Michael Adedokun. Defensively, the Buckeyes have allowed only 18 goals up to this point.
“We have great attacking talent who can really come in and make a huge difference,” defender Nathan Demian said. “We also have a back line, midfield, and forward line who understand the importance of not getting scored on.”
The Buckeyes and Demon Deacons last met in 2022, when Ohio State won 3-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Wrona, who played four years at Wake Forest, said he’s excited for the chance to play against his former team.
“It isn’t just any game for me,” Wrona said. “It’s exciting, it’s old family versus new family, and I’m looking forward to it.”
