Buckeyes Prevail 2-1 Despite Late Temple Surge
Marko Borkovic's goal and assist leads Ohio State past stubborn Owls in Columbus thriller
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio State weathered a late Temple rally to claim a 2-1 victory at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, with Marko Borkovic's stellar performance propelling the Buckeyes past a resilient Owls squad that refused to surrender.
The match began with Ohio State asserting early control, their patient buildup play creating the breakthrough in the 11th minute. Nick McHenry broke the deadlock with a clinical right-footed finish from close range, converting Marko Borkovic's perfectly weighted assist to give the Buckeyes the advantage they would carry into halftime.
Temple goalkeeper Preston Neal kept his side within striking distance throughout the opening period, making crucial saves to deny Ohio State's mounting pressure. The Owls managed just two shots on target in the first half while conceding territorial control to their hosts, who peppered the Temple goal with seven attempts before the break.
The second half saw Ohio State continue their dominance, with Borkovic emerging as the afternoon's standout performer. The midfielder's work rate and creativity troubled Temple throughout, culminating in his decisive strike in the 79th minute. Nick Skubis provided the assist as Borkovic hammered home a low right-footed effort that appeared to seal the points for the Buckeyes.
However, Temple demonstrated remarkable character in the closing stages, refusing to capitulate despite facing a two-goal deficit. Paolo Kampula provided the spark the Owls desperately needed, rifling home an unassisted effort in the 88th minute that sent shockwaves through the Columbus faithful and set up a frantic finale.
The statistics painted a clear picture of Ohio State's territorial advantage, with the Buckeyes registering 21 shots compared to Temple's 12, while also edging the corner count 5-3. Max Trejo in the Ohio State goal was relatively untroubled for large portions, making four saves compared to Neal's six stops at the opposite end.
Borkovic's influence extended far beyond his goal and assist, as the midfielder completed 90 minutes while recording seven shots and four on target – a testament to his constant threat in the final third. His partnership with Nick Skubis proved particularly effective, with the duo combining for Ohio State's second goal while dictating the tempo throughout.
Temple's best spell coincided with their late substitutions, as Paolo Kampula's introduction in the 68th minute provided fresh impetus. The defender's willingness to venture forward paid dividends when he tucked away the consolation goal that briefly threatened Ohio State's composure.
The disciplinary statistics reflected a competitive encounter, with Temple accumulating three yellow cards to Ohio State's one. Rocco Haeufglockner, Luka Lukic, and Aiden O'Sullivan all found themselves cautioned for the visitors, while Nick Skubis received Ohio State's lone booking for dissent.
Despite Temple's spirited late charge, Ohio State's superior shot accuracy and territorial control ultimately told. The Buckeyes converted two of their eight shots on target, while Temple managed just one goal from five attempts that troubled Trejo.
The victory showcased Ohio State's ability to weather adversity, particularly after Kampula's late strike threatened to spark an unlikely comeback. The Buckeyes' defensive resilience, anchored by Nick McHenry and Donovan Williams, proved crucial in preserving their advantage during Temple's desperate final push.
Key Players
- Marko Borkovic (Ohio State) - Dominated proceedings with one goal, one assist, and seven shots while completing 90 minutes of tireless work - Paolo Kampula (Temple) - Provided late spark with crucial goal after entering as substitute, nearly engineering remarkable comeback - Preston Neal (Temple) - Made six saves to keep Owls competitive despite facing constant pressure from potent Buckeyes attack