Michigan
Ohio State (ex)
Wolverines Overpower Buckeyes in Exhibition Action
8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 12, 2015
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Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (U-M Soccer Stadium)
Score: Michigan 3, Ohio State 1 (exhibition)
Attendance: 727
Next U-M Event: Friday, Aug. 21 -- vs. Eastern Michigan (U-M Soccer Stadium), 7:30 p.m.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's soccer team's attack was firing on all cylinders in its lone exhibition contest of 2015 against Ohio State, as it registered three goals on 19 shots to defeat the Buckeyes 3-1 on Wednesday (Aug. 12) at U-M Soccer Stadium. Michigan and Ohio State will not play each other during the regular season so today's match could be the only meeting between the two teams in 2015.
The Wolverines outshot OSU 19-6, including 11-1 in the first half, and held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.
"It was a fantastic first exhibition game -- I don't think we could have played any better seven days into preseason," said head coach Greg Ryan.
Michigan senior captain Christina Murillo, who rejoined the Wolverines after a year of training with the Mexican National Team in preparation for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and Pan American Games, made an impact early on.
In the 20th minute, Michigan was awarded a corner kick and Murillo served the ball directly to the head of sophomore Taylor Timko, who drove the header into the upper left corner of the goal.
"It's awesome to have Tina (Murillo) back," Ryan said. "First, she's a great person, and secondly, her leadership on the field, her composure and her ability on the ball is all having a positive impact all around the park."
In the 24th minute, freshman Abby Kastroll checked into the game and made immediate contributions, scoring a little more than 10 minutes later. Junior Madisson Lewis slotted the ball through to Kastroll near the top right corner of the 18-yard box, where Kastroll took a touch and drilled the ball far post past Buckeye goalkeeper Jillian McVicker.
"Abby has been looking great during preseason and she's going to be a huge impact player for us," Ryan added.
In the second half, Murillo set up another Maize and Blue goal, serving senior Lulu Haidar, who ripped a shot through traffic and into the back of the net from 25 yards out.
With 22 minutes remaining, junior defender Anna Soccorsi carried the ball down the left sideline and played a low driven ball to senior captain Corinne Harris. Harris' shot inside the six-yard box got deflected by the goalkeeper and thumped off the crossbar.
Ohio State was able to sneak in a goal before the final buzzer, scoring in the 87th minute. Lindsay Agnew stole the ball from a defender near the top right corner of the penalty box and beat U-M senior keeper Maddie Clarfield far post.
Overall, 18 Wolverines saw game action in the exhibition match, including freshmen Reilly Martin, Sura Yekka and Kastroll. Sophomore goalkeeper Megan Hinz started in goal and played the first 76 minutes for U-M, making two saves.
"The first thing we wanted to work on today was our team defense and I thought we defended really well," Ryan said. "Now it's about how we can create more opportunities and finish more of the opportunities we create."
The Wolverines will begin the regular season on Friday, Aug. 21, when they host local foe Eastern Michigan in a 7:30 p.m. matchup at U-M Soccer Stadium. [ Tickets ]
GAME SUMMARY
| By Periods | 1 | 2 | F |
| Ohio State | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Michigan | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Scoring, Time (Assist)
1st -- U-M, Taylor Timko, 19:17 (Christina Murillo)
1st -- U-M, Abby Kastroll, 34:20 (Madisson Lewis)
2nd -- U-M, Lulu Haidar, 52:51 (Murillo)
2nd -- OSU, Lindsay Agnew, 86:45 (unassisted)
Shots: U-M 19, OSU 6
Shots on Goal: U-M 8, OSU 3
Saves: U-M 2 (Megan Hinz 2, Maddie Clarfield 0), OSU 5 (Jillian McVicker)
Corner Kicks: U-M 8, OSU 2
Cards: OSU, Team, 59:47 (Yellow)
Communications Contact: Whitney Dixon
