Eric Boggs
Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium was the site of jubilation on Sunday as the top-seeded Ohio State men’s soccer team (14-1-3) secured its fourth Big Ten Tournament title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over archrival Michigan (8-3-7). A record-setting crowd of 8,938 roared as the Buckeyes cemented their status as the top team in the nation.
The Winning Moment
The match, a defensive slugfest for much of the first half, was finally broken open in the 73rd minute by senior Parker Grinstead. Capitalizing on a chaotic Michigan clearance following an Ohio State corner, Grinstead slotted the ball through traffic and into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal marked his sixth of the season and capped off a stellar tournament performance, earning him the title of 2024 Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Defensive Dominance
Behind Grinstead’s heroics, the Buckeyes’ defense, anchored by junior goalkeeper Max Trejo, held firm. Trejo, who tallied his fifth shutout of the season, improved to an unbeaten 8-0-1 in goal. His composure and athleticism, alongside the efforts of All-Tournament honorees Siggi Magnusson and Anthony Samways, ensured the Wolverines had no path back into the game.
A Historic Night
The win added to Ohio State’s storied history, giving the program its fourth Big Ten Tournament crown (2000, 2007, 2009, 2024) and its first since 2009. Sunday’s record crowd shattered the previous home attendance mark set in 2011 against Akron, showcasing the excitement surrounding the Buckeyes’ remarkable season.
This victory also capped an incredible year of Big Ten success for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes shared the regular-season conference title with Indiana—marking their first league title since 2015.
NCAA Tournament Awaits
With Sunday’s triumph, the Buckeyes secured an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, Ohio State is poised to claim a top seed in the 48-team field. The championship bracket will be unveiled Monday at 1 p.m. on NCAA.com, and the Buckeyes will likely receive a first-round bye. They’ll host their second-round match on Nov. 24, aiming to extend their dominant form on home turf, where they hold a 5-2-2 all-time NCAA Tournament record.
Ohio State’s last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022 saw them defeat Wake Forest before a dramatic penalty-kick exit against UNC Greensboro. With 11 prior NCAA appearances and an 8-10-4 record, this year’s team looks primed to make a deep run.
A Season to Remember
The Buckeyes’ 2024 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. From breaking attendance records to hoisting trophies, this team has made its mark. Grinstead’s leadership, Trejo’s brilliance in goal, and a rock-solid defense have created a season for the Ohio State faithful to cherish.
As the Buckeyes set their sights on the NCAA Tournament, one thing is certain: this team is ready to make Columbus proud. Buckeye Nation, the road to glory continues—let’s paint it scarlet and gray!
