Eric Boggs
Ohio State men’s soccer continues to build on a historic season, advancing to the third round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 comeback victory over Western Michigan Sunday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
The No. 1-seeded Buckeyes (15-1-3) now prepare to face No. 16 seed Stanford on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., also at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Stanford advanced in dramatic fashion, defeating UC Santa Barbara 6-5 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 double-overtime draw.
Ohio State dominated much of the first half but fell behind in the 33rd minute when Western Michigan’s Owen Smith headed the ball in from close range for the opening goal. Despite the setback, the Buckeyes responded with poise and determination.
Just eight minutes later, Ohio State’s equalizer came from Siggi Magnusson. After a flurry of attempts, Magnusson found the back of the net while on the ground, slotting the ball low and right past the Broncos’ keeper. Nathan Demian, credited with his first assist of the season, helped set up the critical score.
In the second half, Ohio State’s star forward Michael Adedokun delivered the decisive goal in the 65th minute. Receiving a long pass from Luciano Pechota, Adedokun maneuvered down the left sideline, cut toward the Western Michigan goal, and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner. It marked his ninth goal of the season and set a new single-season program record for team goals with 48, surpassing the previous mark of 47 set in 1983.
This year’s Buckeyes have already etched their names in Ohio State history, with 15 wins marking the second-highest total in program history, behind only the 2007 squad that reached the College Cup finals.
Ohio State boasts a wealth of veteran leadership, with nine players having appeared in 50 or more matches over their careers, including Parker Grinstead (81), David Wrona (83), and Anthony Samways (70). This experience has been instrumental in the team’s success, especially against top-tier competition.
The Buckeyes have tested themselves against the nation’s elite all season, compiling an impressive 8-1-1 record against teams that qualified for the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Standout performances include wins over SIUE, Maryland, Michigan, and Washington, with key contributions from Adedokun, who leads the team with 15 points in those contests, and goalkeeper Max Trejo, who remains unbeaten at 5-0 in these critical matchups.
Ohio State’s defense has been formidable, allowing just 10 goals in their 10 matches against tournament-caliber teams.
Sunday’s win improved Ohio State’s all-time home NCAA Tournament record to 6-2-2. The Buckeyes have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and now hold an overall record of 9-10-4 in postseason play. With another home game ahead, the Buckeyes aim to continue their strong run at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Ohio State faces a tough challenge in Stanford, a program with a rich NCAA Tournament pedigree. However, the Buckeyes’ balanced attack, staunch defense, and ability to perform under pressure make them formidable opponents.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the third round, their focus remains sharp. The tournament game is scheduled to begin at 5 pm on Sunday for a chance to move on to the NCAA Quarterfinals. With records broken and championship aspirations alive, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Buckeyes’ historic season.
