Note: This story was updated to include new information
Ohio State women’s soccer has set multiple records with its dominant defense and goalie play in the 2025 Big Ten season.
Before drawing Michigan State on Oct. 5 1-1, the Buckeyes shut out their last seven opponents, maintaining an unbeaten record of 3-0-4 in that span. With their most recent shutout, a 3-0 victory over Illinois, the Buckeyes passed their previous record of six consecutive shutouts in a single season, originally set in 2017.
Holding a 678-minute and 16-second streak since the last time Ohio State let up a goal, Ohio State needed to hold Michigan State scoreless for the first nine minutes and 11 seconds to surpass a program record of consecutive shutout minutes. Not only did they break the record set in 2017, but the Buckeyes set the new record to 739 minutes and 26 seconds, clearing the mark before letting up a goal in the 61st minute of action.
A key to the Buckeyes’ success has been the play of senior goalkeeper Molly Pritchard, ranking within the top five in NCAA women’s soccer for goals-against average at 0.34, acting as a brick wall in the Buckeyes’ early slate of conference games.
The Buckeyes’ current record holder for goals-against average in a season is Rachel Middleman in 2010. Pritchard can beat Middleton’s mark simply by maintaining her current pace.
An Atlanta native, Pritchard has played in 73 games for the Buckeyes. She started seven times during her freshman season and has been the consistent starter in net since her sophomore year. She has posted 29 shutouts, which is tied with Lauren Robertson for the most in program history.
While Pritchard has done her part, Ohio State has sometimes struggled offensively. In four straight Big Ten games from Sept. 12-Sept. 25, the Buckeyes finished with scoreless draws.
Two times in its history, Ohio State women’s soccer has allowed a program record of just 13 goals (2004 and 2017) over the course of a season. The Buckeyes’ record currently stands at 5-1-6 (1-0-5 in conference play) with five games remaining, and they have given up only four goals.
Ohio State sits tied for tenth in the Big Ten standings with eight points.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State women’s soccer set a program record in shutout minutes.
Reporting by Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
