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Sophomore forward Alexis Milesky started off Ohio's preseason the same way she ended the 2013 campaign; leading the line and scoring goals for the Bobcats.
Milesky scored the first and sophomore midfielder Mollie Whitacre added a second as the game ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Peden Stadium on Thursday.
The game was played in three 30-minute periods, instead of the traditional 45-minute halves, and the Bobcats looked the aggressor in the first period. They notched seven shots in the first half, including Milesky's rebound goal in the seventh minute. They also managed to get six corner kicks in the opening 30 minutes, but couldn't capitalize on any of them.
But right as the first half was coming to a close, junior UNCG forward Chesney White got her first goal on a breakaway in the 29th minute, making the halftime team talk much different for Ohio coach Aaron Rodgers as the teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
White scored both her team's goals and continued her hot form from last season, as she led the Spartans with six goals in 2013.
Her second strike came in the early stages of the second half, completing her brace with a strong effort from the right wing as the Spartans took a lead in the 39th minute.
But Ohio weren't done yet, as Whitacre collected the rebound from a corner kick and smashed a 18-yard blast into the top left corner in the 84th minute. The game ended in a draw after an atypical three periods.
The game was also unique from a tactical perspective, as coach Rodgers opted for a three-back system which allows Ohio to play with two forwards and offers more attacking options in midfield. But it also leaves them slightly exposed at the back if opposing teams like to play a more attack-minded brand of soccer.
But outside of the first two goals, the back line didn't seem to be troubled, only allowing seven shots to the Bobcats 12, and senior goalkeeper Nicole Amari only needed to make three saves to keep Ohio in the game.
The Bobcats showed encouraging signs against a strong opponent that went 10-6-4 last season. They begin the 2014 regular season when they travel to West Lafayette, Ind. on Friday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 24 to participate in the Boilermaker Challenge Cup. Ohio faces Butler on Aug. 22, at 4 p.m.