Eagles end preseason on a high note, down Ohio Dominican 2-1

After weeks of dreary weather in central Ohio, Mother Nature served up a great day for soccer on Sunday evening with sunny weather providing the perfect backdrop for the Columbus Eagles’ preseason finale against Ohio Dominican.

The Eagles began the game with a game day roster that mimics what fans can expect heading into the Women’s Professional Soccer League opener on May 12th.

Both teams began the match feeling the opponent out, with no team establishing a noticeable advantage. The Eagles captured the momentum midway through the first half. Columbus forwards Rachel MacLeod and Lisa Nouanesengsy led a persistent attack on the Ohio Dominican goal with quality scoring chances. It appeared only a matter of time until the Eagles broke through.

However, momentum was halted towards the end of the half when Eagles defender Deidre Abouahmed exited the game with an apparent knee injury. Massive Report learned the defender will receive additional tests on Monday morning to confirm a diagnosis.

Business picked up in the second half when Nouanesengsy found MacLeod again. A through ball snuck behind the Ohio Dominican defense and generated another quality scoring chance, with the forward finishing the opportunity. Columbus took control of the game, claiming a 1-0 advantage.

Just 11 minutes later, the game became tense as Ohio Dominican’s Samantha Buck equalized for the Panthers.

Columbus experienced more nervy moments at the back when a poorly timed challenge inside of the penalty box allowed Ohio Dominican a chance to claim the lead with a penalty kick. Eagles goalkeeper Madi Moore looked poised and ready to defend the attempt, but wasn’t called into action as the Panther player rattled it off the post.

Possession fluctuated as the match progressed, but an opportunity to gain the leaded presented itself for the Eagles in the 76th minute.

Columbus midfielder Ashley Gogolin drew a foul in the 18-yard box and a subsequent penalty kick. Captain Amber Kern stepped up to the spot and confidently took the strike to put the Eagles ahead 2-1 without much time remaining.

Columbus held on to claim a 2-1 victory over the Panthers, finishing the preseason with an unblemished record. The Eagles shift focus to the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) opener on May 12th at 2pm against the Ann Arbor Football Club Lumberjills.