Eric Boggs
The No. 1-seeded and top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (16-1-4) are heading to the NCAA College Cup for the second time in program history following a decisive 3-0 victory over No. 8 Wake Forest (12-5-7) in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The electric atmosphere at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on Saturday night matched the significance of the moment, as the Buckeyes continued their historic season under head coach Brian Maisonneuve, who notched his 50th career win with the result.
Next up for Ohio State is a semifinal clash against either No. 13 SMU or No. 12 Marshall, set for next Friday in Cary, North Carolina (7 p.m., ESPN+).
The Buckeyes set the tone late in the first half when David Wrona, a former Wake Forest player who transferred to Ohio State two seasons ago, drew a critical penalty kick after a challenge from Demon Deacons goalkeeper Trace Alpin. Michael Adedokun stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, placing the ball high and to the right in the 40th minute.
Ohio State doubled its lead just three minutes into the second half when Luciano Pechota delivered a pinpoint pass to freshman David Ajagbe at the penalty spot. Ajagbe blasted the ball high into the net, making it 2-0. The Buckeyes sealed the victory in the 59th minute, with Adedokun adding his second goal of the night off assists from Pechota and Parker Grinstead.
Ohio State’s performance against NCAA Tournament-caliber opponents this season has been remarkable. The Buckeyes boast an 8-1-2 record in 11 matches against tournament teams, including wins over Maryland, Michigan, and Washington. In these games, Adedokun has emerged as a standout, tallying six goals and five assists for 17 points.
Keeper Max Trejo has been a fortress in goal, compiling a 6-0-1 record and a program-best goals-against average of 0.49. Trejo has allowed just six goals all season. The defensive unit, anchored by veterans like Anthony Samways and Deylen Vellios, has been a key to the Buckeyes’ success, allowing just 10 goals in matches against NCAA Tournament teams.
The 2024 Buckeyes have shattered multiple program records, including the most goals scored in a season (51), surpassing the previous record of 47 set in 1983. Their winning percentage of .857 (16-1-4) is also the best in school history. Adedokun’s individual brilliance has been a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive firepower. His 11 assists rank second in program history, while his 33 points (11 goals, 11 assists) and 81 shots also place him among the all-time greats.
This year’s squad has seen a 10-win improvement over the 2023 season, marking the best single-season turnaround in program history. Their 16 victories are the second most in a season, trailing only the 2007 team that finished as national runners-up with a 17-4-5 record.
Saturday’s win was only the second for Ohio State in seven meetings with Wake Forest. Notably, the Buckeyes avenged their 2007 College Cup Final loss to the Demon Deacons, where Wake Forest claimed the national title with a 2-1 victory. Ohio State also defeated Wake Forest 3-0 in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for another dominant performance this year.
With nine players boasting 50 or more career appearances and a roster that has thrived under pressure all season, Ohio State enters the College Cup with the experience and momentum needed to chase its first national championship. From Adedokun’s offensive heroics to Trejo’s steadfast goalkeeping, the Buckeyes have all the tools to finish what has already been a record-setting campaign.
Buckeye Nation will undoubtedly be watching next Friday as the team takes another step toward etching its name in history.
