U-M Exits Big Ten Tournament After Loss to Buckeyes

Thursday, November 8

East Lansing, Mich.

11:30 AM

Michigan

10-7-2, 0-4-2

Ohio State

12-3-4, 4-1-1

Michigan

Ohio State

11/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Boxscore

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's soccer team put up a strong effort against No. 18 Ohio State, but the Wolverines were unable to convert any of their scoring opportunities and fell, 1-0, in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Old College Field.

Michigan held the possession advantage during the first part of the opening stanza, but scoring opportunities for both teams were rare. The Wolverines' first chance came on a corner kick by junior midfielder Jake Stacy(Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) but the shot was cleared by the Buckeyes.

In the 15th minute, Xavier Balc sent a blazing ball from just inside the 18-yard box to the right of the net. The ball -- OSU's first shot of the game -- propelled past junior/sophomore goalkeeper Patrick Sperry(Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central) to put OSU up 1-0.

Sophomore forward Peri Marosevic(Rockford, Ill./Edison Academy) tried for the equalizer moments later with a one-on-one against the OSU goalie outside the 18-yard box. As he ran at full force toward the net, Marosevic was pulled down from behind and unable to convert. Ohio State received a yellow card for the play. On the ensuing set piece, Ohio State protected its advantage and stifled Michigan's play.

Ohio State had a great ball off of its first corner kick of the match in the 41st minute. The Buckeyes kicked it in straight to their forward who shot it to the middle of the net, but Sperry made a diving save to prevent the score.

Early in the second half, junior forward Steve Bonnell(St. Clair Shores, Mich./Detroit Country Day) possessed the ball and sprinted downfield with a Buckeye defender on his hip. Showing his speed, Bonnell flew by his opponent and sent a gorgeous cross to Marosevic who could not catch up to the ball. Ohio State quickly cleared to avert the scoring threat.

In the 65th minute, Michigan again marched downfield with the ball. After Marosevic entered the 18-yard box with possession, he sent a flawless cross to junior defender Michael Holody(Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston). Holody was unable to get the angle on the ball and the Buckeyes took control.

Minutes later, Michigan kept the pressure on as Marosevic had a good-looking shot on a pass from Bonnell, but the Buckeye keeper made a great save. The Wolverines had one last effort to tie the score with seven seconds remaining in the contest but Marosevic fired a shot over the net.

Michigan ends its 2007 season with a 10-7-2 record.

GAME SUMMARY

Team	1	2	F
Michigan	0	0	0
Ohio State	1	0	1

Scoring, Time (Assist)
1st -- OSU, Xavier Balc, 14:14 (Tim Gabel)

Shots: U-M 14, OSU 10
Saves: U-M 4 (Patrick Sperry), OSU 4 (Casey Latchem)
Corner Kicks: U-M 6, OSU 2
Fouls: U-M 12, OSU 16
Cards: U-M, Daniel Gray,13:37 (yellow); OSU, Andrew Magill, 20:37 (yellow); OSU, Eric Brunner, 33:49 (yellow); OSU, Jordan Lomnicki, 61:20 (yellow); OSU, Roger Espinoza, 82:01 (yellow).