ATHENS, OHIO - Washington (9-1-5) continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ohio State (6-2-6) on Sunday afternoon at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Lucy Newlin's 44th-minute goal proved the difference in a match that showcased both teams' defensive prowess.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Newlin found the breakthrough in the 44th minute, giving Washington the lead they would maintain throughout the second half. The goal came during a period of sustained pressure from the Huskies, who had been steadily building momentum through the latter stages of the first half.
The first half saw Washington establish control through methodical build-up play, with Alex Buck testing the Ohio State defense with two early shots in the 3rd and 7th minutes. The Buckeyes responded through Callie Tumilty's attempt in the 23rd minute, but neither team could find clear scoring opportunities. Washington's tactical discipline was evident as they accumulated six corner kicks before the break, demonstrating their territorial advantage.
The second half featured increased intensity from both sides, with Mary Camp Newton receiving a yellow card in the 61st minute for Washington. Ohio State pushed for an equalizer, with Elle Britt coming closest in the 86th minute when her shot struck the woodwork. The Huskies' defense, led by Samiah Shell despite her 66th-minute yellow card, remained resolute throughout the final stages.
Statistical dominance favored Washington, who outshot Ohio State 12-6, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Huskies also held the edge in corner kicks (6-3), though their aggressive play resulted in two yellow cards to Ohio State's none. Both goalkeepers were active, with Ohio State's keeper making seven saves while Washington's recorded three crucial stops.
Individual performances highlighted the competitive nature of the match. Enora Matté demonstrated exceptional midfield control for Washington, while Kalea Eichenberger and Jadyn Holdenried provided consistent offensive pressure with multiple shot attempts. For Ohio State, Jadin Bonham and Mia McSweeney created several dangerous opportunities, particularly in the first half.
Tactically, Washington's approach focused on controlling possession and creating opportunities through wide play, evidenced by their superior corner kick count. Ohio State adopted a more counter-attacking strategy, looking to exploit spaces left by Washington's advancing fullbacks. The Buckeyes' defensive organization proved effective in limiting clear scoring chances, despite Washington's statistical advantages.
The victory extends Washington's winning streak to four matches, building on recent wins against UCLA and Penn State. Their defensive solidity continues to impress, with this being their third consecutive 1-0 victory. For Ohio State, the loss ends their unbeaten run of two games but demonstrates their ability to compete with top-ranked opposition.
Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds with midweek fixtures. Washington returns home to host Minnesota on October 16th at 10:00 PM, while Ohio State travels to face Rutgers on the same day at 7:00 PM. The Huskies will look to maintain their momentum, while the Buckeyes aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat.