Ohio Soccer opens 2025 season with 2-0 win over Western Kentucky
By: Grant Kiefer
Posted on:
Thursday, August 14, 2025
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The 2025-2026 Ohio Athletics season officially began with Ohio Soccer’s season opener at Chessa Field on Thursday afternoon, taking on Conference USA foe Western Kentucky. Behind two timely goals and the Bobcats’ defense, Ohio was able to pick up where it left off last season with a stellar 2-0 win over the Hilltoppers.
It was easy to tell there were some nerves and uncertainty the first 20 minutes of the game, as both teams tried to feel each other out and settle into their first real games in over nine months. The Bobcats had the first true chance of the game in the 16th minute, as senior Ella Deevers threw in a beautiful cross right in front of the goal, but senior Maia Soulis’ header was just off.
It didn’t take too long for the Bobcats’ first goal of the season, though. Junior Anna Burchett caught the Western Kentucky defense sleeping and put the ball in from the top of the box to make it 1-0. The 2024 version of Burchett may not have been so quick to fire off a shot like that, but the 2025 version of herself is feeling much more confident, and that’s led to her early success.
“So far, I’ve been feeling a lot more confident than in the past,” Burchett said. “I think that confidence kind of comes with experience. When I’m getting on the ball, I’m just like trying to get shots off. Everyone’s working hard, so that I think that (confidence) build up kind of comes from everyone.”
Ohio’s defense reigned supreme all game long, which made the 1-0 lead feel like a massive hill to climb for Western Kentucky. With only three shots on goal all game and zero corner kicks, star senior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma was largely unchallenged in the season opener. Even while the 2024 MAC defensive player of the year, Norah Roush, nurses a minor injury, Ohio’s defense was able to step up in wake of her absence and not allow any true threats from the Hilltoppers.
The Bobcats put some pressure on offense in the second half, looking for some insurance. They were able to get it as junior Kate Robinson was on the receving end on an incredible assist from sophomore Iro Farinkou. As if a one goal deficit felt like a challenge for WKU, a two goal deficit all but sealed it for the Bobcats.
Up next awaits the Clemson Tigers, who will visit Chessa Field on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Hosting an ACC opponent is a large challenge, but head coach Aaron Rodgers noted that Clemson faces Ohio State to open its season, the latter of which Ohio fared well against in its lone preseason scrimmage.
Source: https://woub.org/2025/08/14/ohio-soccer-opens-2025-season-with-2-0-win-over-western-kentucky/
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