Eric Boggs
In a clash worthy of its stakes, the No. 1-ranked Ohio State men’s soccer team battled to a thrilling shootout victory over No. 16-seed Stanford on a frigid Sunday night at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. With a poised performance under pressure, the Buckeyes emerged 4-2 in penalty kicks after 110 minutes of scoreless regulation and overtime, securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
The victory was fueled by standout performances and a bit of extra motivation stemming from pre-match drama. Stanford’s team, in an unsanctioned move, practiced on the game field without permission, a breach of protocol that Ohio State players and staff took personally.
“That definitely gave us a chip on our shoulders,” goalkeeper Max Trejo said. “Our coaching staff and the stadium staff work hard, and Stanford crossing that line felt disrespectful. It added a little extra edge to the match.”
Trejo turned that edge into a hero’s performance, stopping Stanford’s first two penalty attempts with brilliant saves that set the tone for Ohio State’s perfect 4-for-4 conversion rate from the spot. The Buckeyes’ shooters – Marko Borkovic, Thomas Gilej, Parker Grinstead, and Anthony Samways – were clinical, with Samways sealing the win to the roar of 1,136 fans in attendance.
The Buckeyes (15-1-3) and Cardinal (9-5-5) entered the match with contrasting strengths: Ohio State boasting speed, technical quality, and counterattacking prowess, while Stanford leaned on physicality, aerial dominance, and set-piece creativity. The teams’ contrasting styles produced a gritty, back-and-forth affair marked by 42 fouls, six yellow cards, and intense battles across the pitch.
Stanford, bolstered by the towering presence of defender Palmer Bank and midfielder Zach Bohane, created chaos with long throw-ins and precise dead-ball deliveries. Ohio State countered with disciplined defending and moments of brilliance from Trejo, who made two highlight-reel saves in the first half to keep the Cardinal off the board.
Ohio State’s best chance came in the second half when Gilej’s rebound shot from 15 yards out sailed just over the crossbar. Stanford had a golden opportunity of its own nullified by an offside call with 16 seconds left in the first overtime.
Ohio State’s standout scorer, Michael Adedokun, who leads the team with 29 points on the season, was instrumental early on but exited in the second overtime due to injury. Even in his absence, the Buckeyes found a way to push forward, inspired by their depth and resilience.
The Buckeyes, anchored by a backline featuring Thomas Gilej and midfielder Marko Borkovic, dominated the second overtime period but couldn’t crack Stanford’s defense, forcing the match into penalties.
Ohio State’s coolness in the shootout was a testament to their mental toughness, a hallmark of their season. The Buckeyes are 15-1-3, boasting the highest winning percentage in program history (.868) and a balanced attack that has outscored opponents 48-10 this year.
“We knew they’d bring everything, and we matched it,” head coach Brian Maisonneuve said. “Max was phenomenal, and the team showed unbelievable composure. This is what great teams do – they grind it out.”
With the victory, Ohio State advances to host No. 8-seed Wake Forest in the Elite Eight on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The matchup rekindles memories of the 2007 College Cup Final, where Wake Forest defeated the Buckeyes to claim the national title.
This time, the stakes are just as high, but the Buckeyes are a different team – confident, united, and eager to take another step toward their first national championship.
As Trejo put it, “Four years ago, we were at the bottom of the Big Ten. Now, we’re one of the best teams in the country. We’re ready for what’s next.”
The Buckeyes’ journey continues, but their dramatic victory over Stanford will be remembered as a defining moment in what is shaping up to be a historic season.
