Forced into rushed passes and hopeful long balls, WKU Soccer never found its attacking rhythm in a 2-0 defeat to Ohio on Thursday night in its first game of the season. 

Ohio controlled the tempo early, disrupting the Hilltoppers’ buildup in midfield and forcing them to rely on long passes over the top. When WKU did reach the Bobcats’ final third, they failed to create shots, losing the shot battle 7-11, with only three shots on target compared to the Bobcats’ seven.  

In the 29th minute, the Bobcats’ pressure made way for their first goal, stealing the ball in the Hilltoppers’ own half, which allowed junior forward Anna Burchett to score from outside the box. Ohio’s second goal started from the back after a lobbed through ball allowed the Bobcats behind the Hilltoppers’ defense, giving junior Kate Robinson a shot in front of the goal. 

The Hilltoppers had opportunities to equalize before Ohio’s second goal, including a 65th-minute strike from sophomore midfielder Rebecca Roth that was saved by senior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma, who ended the game with three key saves for the Bobcats. 

Despite a strong performance between the sticks from WKU freshman goalkeeper Kendall Mix, who made five saves before being subbed off for redshirt junior Mia Riddick, the Hilltoppers never found footing in the second half to shift the momentum. 

WKU Soccer returns to action Saturday Aug. 16 against Rio Grande in Ohio. Kick off set for 4 p.m.