Men’s Soccer Travels to Columbus to Face No. 15 Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio –– Northwestern (2-6-4, 0-3-2) puts its three-game unbeaten streak to the test when it travels to Columbus to take on the No. 15 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1-4, 2-1-1). The contest kicks off at 1 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on B1G+. 

Northwestern returns to Big Ten competition after a non-conference midweek trip to DeKalb to take on the NIU Huskies. The ‘Cats fell behind 1-0 in the 53rd minute, then roared back for three unanswered to come away with a 3-1 victory. Ethan Dudley tallied his third goal of the season on a 64th minute free kick. Bardia Kimiavi gave the ‘Cats the lead in the 73rd minute off an assist from Rom Brown. Finally, Jason Gajadhard secured the victory with a goal in the 83rd minute, the second of his rookie campaign. The triumph marked the ‘Cats third consecutive victory and nine of the last twelve over the Huskies.

‘Cat Facts

No. 15 Ohio State will be the third ranked opponent in four games for the ‘Cats, with NU navigating a 1-0-2 record throughout that stretch so far. OSU presents a balanced attack, with eleven different Buckeyes tallying a goal so far this season. The Buckeyes boast a three-game unbeaten streak of their own, having defeated Northern Kentucky (3-2) and Michigan (3-1) after drawing Rutgers (2-2). Most recently for the Buckeyes, Joakim Jahnsen, Parker Grinstead, and Laurence Wootton tallied goals to take down the Wolverines. Keagan McLaughlin has handled the bulk of goalkeeping duties for Ohio State. McLaughlin has posted a .824 save percentage and allows 0.75 goals per game so far this season.

Ohio State leads the all-time series 22-13-6, but the ‘Cats took last year’s meeting at Martin Stadium 1-0 behind an 86th minute goal from Justin Weiss.

Following Sunday, Northwestern pauses Big Ten play for another midweek non-conference contest, this time against Milwaukee. That game will kick off at 7 p.m. CT at Martin Stadium on B1G+. Admission is free to all fans.