Story by NU Athletic Communications
Junior Sarah Weber netted a goal in each half, as the Nebraska soccer team defeated Ohio State 2-1 on Thursday evening.
The Huskers, who improved to 7-1-2 (1-0-1 Big Ten) on the season, held the Buckeyes to just one shot on goal as they fell to 4-3-2 (0-1-1 Big Ten) on the year.
In the first half, Weber sparked the offense with her fifth goal of the season in the 25th minute. Junior Florence Belzile won the battle to keep the possession before passing the ball to forward Abbey Schwarz. The Bennington, Neb., native sent a cross into the 18-yard box which Eleanor Dale jumped over before Weber met the cross and found the back of the net for the score.
The Huskers controlled the first 45 minutes offensively and entered halftime with the 1-0 advantage. NU also led in shots (14-4), shots on goal (3-0) and corner kicks (4-0).
In the 55th minute, Weber had a chance to score but her shot hit the crossbar, and the teams reminded scoreless in the opening minutes of the second half. NU continued to apply the pressure offensively until Ohio State’s Emma Sears scored the equalizer in the 76th minute.
Then in the 78th minute, Weber responded with the game winner to tally her second brace of the season and 22nd career goal. Schwarz recorded her second assist of the game as she dribbled downfield and passed the ball to Belzile who sent a cross just outside the goalbox which Weber met and scored.
OSU was unable to score again as NU tallied its first conference win of the season. Overall, the Huskers held the advantage in shots (29-13), shots on goal (7-1) and corners (11-2).
In the goal, senior Sami Hauk played the entire game and earned her 18th career win. Hauk was joined by defenders Nicola Hauk and Lauryn Anglim, and forward Dale who also played 90 minutes. Additionally, senior Gwen Lane, a starter for all 20 games last season, saw her first action of the season as she played 25 minutes.
The Big Red returns to action at 12 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Sept. 24 in University Park, Pa., against Penn State. Action will be streamed on B1G+.