ATHENS, GEORGIA — Ohio St. pulled off a stunning upset over eighth-ranked Georgia, winning 2-0 on Friday before 1,203 spectators in an NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship match. The Buckeyes, riding a one-game winning streak after recent Big Ten tournament losses, dominated the second half to secure their first tournament victory of the postseason.
Amanda Schlueter opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a low-center shot that found the back of the net, giving Ohio St. an early advantage. The goal came after the Buckeyes had controlled stretches of the first half despite Georgia's territorial pressure. Schlueter's finish proved decisive, as it set the tone for Ohio St.'s defensive approach throughout the remainder of the match.
Riley Lijewski sealed the victory in the 68th minute, assisted by Ava Bramblett and Micayla Decker, extending Ohio St.'s lead to 2-0. The goal came during a period when the Buckeyes had shifted their tactical focus, pressing higher up the field and capitalizing on Georgia's defensive vulnerabilities. Lijewski's finish demonstrated Ohio St.'s clinical finishing when opportunities presented themselves.
Georgia, which entered the tournament as the eighth seed, struggled to generate consistent attacking chances throughout the contest. The Bulldogs managed only three shots on goal compared to Ohio St.'s five, and their 15 shot attempts failed to translate into scoring opportunities. Maddie Baker and Cate Hardin, key contributors for Georgia's offense, were unable to break through Ohio St.'s organized defensive structure.
Ohio St. controlled the match's tempo in the second half, forcing Georgia into reactive defending. The Buckeyes' five shots on goal proved more efficient than Georgia's three, highlighting the difference in clinical finishing between the two teams. Both goalkeepers recorded three saves each, but Ohio St.'s defense limited Georgia's most dangerous opportunities.
Georgia's recent tournament run had been taxing, with the Bulldogs playing three matches in eleven days at the SEC Championship before this NCAA tournament matchup. The team's two-game losing streak—including a 2-0 loss to second-ranked Vanderbilt in the SEC Championship final—appeared to carry over into this contest. Ohio St., conversely, arrived with momentum after advancing through earlier tournament rounds.
The Ohio State University now plays the winner of University of Notre Dame and University of Illinois Chicago.