’Cats Drop 2-1 Decision to Ohio State in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Northwestern fell 2-1 at Ohio State in its penultimate regular season match on Friday night at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. 

The result snapped a three-match unbeaten run for the Wildcats (5-6-4, 2-4-3 Big Ten). Sophomore forward Aaron O’Reilly netted his third goal of the campaign, while senior defender Bryant Mayer posted his fifth assist of the season and senior midfielder Andrew Millar tallied his third assist of the year on Friday night. 

48' | Millar's free kick is headed across by Mayer to O'Reilly, who heads it home! Ohio State 2, 'Cats 1 https://t.co/1GF3YpeQbS

— Northwestern Men's Soccer (@NUMensSoccer) October 31, 2026

The Buckeyes (7-6-2, 2-6-1 Big Ten) jumped out to a 2-0 lead, which ultimately proved too much for the visitors to overcome. In the 25th minute, Martin Wurschmidt opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Isaiah Chisholm doubled the lead in the first half’s closing minutes. 

While Northwestern built an 8-5 shot advantage in the opening 45 minutes, including a 3-2 edge in shots on goal, Patrick McLaughlin’s three saves held the ’Cats off the board. 

In the 49th minute, O’Reilly split the deficit on a headed effort. A Millar free kick connected with Mayer at the backpost, whose header skipped across goal to O’Reilly. The sophomore redirected the ball, which struck the woodwork and found the back of the net.

Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Dominic Pereira posted three second-half saves to keep ’Cats within striking distance, but Northwestern couldn’t find a would-be equalizer. 

The Wildcats will close out the 2026 regular season at home against No. 19 Wisconsin on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on B1G+.