WILMINGTON, NC – The 25th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UNC Wilmington on Sunday afternoon at UNCW Soccer Stadium, improving to 1-1-1 on the young season while handing the Seahawks their second consecutive home defeat.
In a match dominated by defensive organization and tactical discipline, a single moment in the 33rd minute proved decisive. The Buckeyes capitalized on a scramble in the box to break the deadlock, with the goal officially credited as a team effort following a chaotic sequence that left the 804 fans in attendance stunned. The strike came against the run of play, as UNCW had been controlling possession and earning a series of corner kicks in the opening half.
The first half saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances despite UNCW's territorial advantage. The Seahawks earned five corner kicks before the break but couldn't convert their set-piece opportunities into genuine threats on goal. Ohio State's defense, anchored by the steady presence of Mirann Gacioch and Netta-Nina Hiltunen, who both played the full 90 minutes, absorbed the pressure effectively. The Buckeyes' best early chance came in the 19th minute when Jacinda Bonham tested Morgan Hobbs with a low drive to the bottom left corner, forcing the UNCW keeper into her only save of the half.
The second half witnessed a chess match between the two coaching staffs, with both teams making multiple substitutions to inject fresh energy. UNCW head coach made a tactical switch at halftime, replacing goalkeeper Morgan Hobbs with Zoe Anderson, who would go on to make three crucial saves in the second period. The change nearly paid dividends as the Seahawks showed more attacking intent after the break.
Anderson's heroics kept UNCW in the contest, particularly during a frantic sequence in the 72nd minute. After Ohio State earned a corner kick, Hiltunen's initial effort was blocked, leading to a goalmouth scramble. Ella Giannola pounced on the rebound with a shot to the bottom center that Anderson parried away, only for Hiltunen to fire another attempt at the bottom left corner that the keeper somehow kept out. The double save epitomized UNCW's resilient defensive effort despite the eventual defeat.
The match's physical nature became increasingly apparent as the second half progressed. UNCW's frustration manifested in a flurry of fouls, accumulating nine in the second period alone. Allie Planeaux received a yellow card in the 76th minute for unsporting behavior, followed by Hailey Longwell picking up a caution in the 83rd minute, effectively ending any hopes of a late UNCW rally.
Ohio State's defensive unit deserves particular credit for their composed performance. Goalkeeper Molly Pritchard, despite not being tested with a shot on target, commanded her area effectively and distributed well under pressure. The Buckeyes limited UNCW to just three total shots, with none finding the target – a testament to their defensive organization and ability to close down shooting angles.
For UNCW, the loss drops them to 2-2-0 on the season, with both defeats coming at home. The Seahawks showed glimpses of quality, particularly in their build-up play through midfielders Reese Bodas and Allie Planeaux, who both played the full 90 minutes. However, their inability to convert possession into shots on goal proved costly. The team managed only one shot in the first half and two in the second, highlighting their struggles in the final third.
The Buckeyes' road warrior mentality shone through as they secured their first away victory of the campaign. After a season-opening draw against Clemson and a narrow 1-0 loss to 16th-ranked South Carolina, this result provides valuable momentum heading into their next challenge at Princeton on August 28th.
UNCW will look to bounce back when they travel to East Carolina on the same date, hoping to rediscover the form that saw them win their two away fixtures against UNCG and Coastal Carolina earlier in the week. The Seahawks' home fortress, which had been a strength in previous seasons, now needs rebuilding after consecutive defeats to Charlotte and Ohio State.
This match exemplified college soccer at its most tactical – two well-drilled teams canceling each other out for large periods, with a single moment of quality (or fortune) deciding the outcome. For Ohio State, it's exactly the type of gritty victory that championship-caliber teams must grind out on the road. For UNCW, it's a harsh lesson in the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at this level.
Key Players:
- Netta-Nina Hiltunen (Ohio State) - The defender was Ohio State's most active attacking threat with three shots and played a crucial role in maintaining the clean sheet
- Zoe Anderson (UNCW) - Despite the loss, her three second-half saves kept UNCW in contention, particularly the double save in the 72nd minute
- Molly Pritchard (Ohio State) - A commanding presence in goal, organizing the defense to perfection for the shutout