Head Coach Mike Tucker’s Flyers fell behind early after a Bobcat goal in the 12th minute, but capitalized on a OU defensive mistake to tie the game in the last minute of the first half, using the goal as a momentum shifter as Dayton added two more after halftime to hold on for the 3-2 victory. Missy Gregg tallied two goals and one assist to help pace the Flyers. Dayton improves to 4-3-0 (0-0) on the season.

On a sun-soaked afternoon at Baujan Field, the Flyers started things off as they have all season long — sluggish and on their heels. Ohio University put a lot of pressure on the ball in the first 10 minutes of the contest, especially with their foreheads as the Bobcats won the aerial game all afternoon. Dayton gave up a free kick on the right side of the field and paid for it as the Bobcats redirected the cross from six yards out for the 1-0 advantage.

The Flyers and Bobcats traded punches over the next 30 minutes, but the visiting team by and large kept sticking it to the Flyers with aggressive offensive and defensive head balls to keep Dayton backpedaling. Ohio U. played a solid first half, but the one mistake they did make cost them a goal — and maybe the game. With a minute left in the first half and a 1-0 lead, UD goalkeeper Steph Weisenfeld booted a long ball for Missy Gregg at midfield. Two Bobcat defenders were there to make the play, but both players misjudged the ball and let it sail over their head as Gregg streaked toward the ball and the goal mouth. Gregg beat a remaining defender on a nifty crossover move then buried it in the back of the net from 8yds out to tie the game as the half ended. Weisenfeld’s long boot earned her a rare assist. For the Flyers, it was a much-needed goal in a half that lacked the crisp, attacking style Coach Tucker expected.

The second half started off much better for Dayton as they appeared a step quicker in the midfield, but high balls continued to pose a problem as the Flyers let several free kicks and punts hit the ground without someone putting a head on them. On a windy afternoon as it was, Ohio U. took advantage of it and created several scoring chances from Dayton’s indecisiveness.

As the game wore on however, Dayton continued to play better, and Showtime Gregg put the Flyers up 2-1 on a beautiful header off a free kick near the right sideline. In the 79th minute, Showtime Gregg showed off her Charlie Hustle side and ran through a loose ball that deflected 20yds behind the OU defensive line. Melissa Buck corralled the ball and found the back of the net for a 3-1 Flyer advantage.

Ohio University didn’t throw in the towel however and two minutes later they took advantage of a free kick from 23yds out that sailed far post and into the side netting to cut the deficit to 3-2. It was a well-struck ball that freshman goalkeeper Stacey DeLuca had no chance on. DeLuca played the entire second half.

Sensing the chance for a late comeback, OU let everything hang out in the final 10 minutes — and even had a couple nice chances — but the Flyers came up large when they had to. While the Bobcats pushed all their players upfield in the final two minutes, Gregg collected a long ball and took it on goal with only the keeper to beat. Instead of finishing it off with her bazooka left foot however, she touched it off to an unmarked Flyer on the right side for a Blue Plate Special that didn’t find the net. The remaining moments of the game ticked down and Dayton earned its fourth win of the season.

Gregg took a beating Sunday as several OU players tried to keep her in check by chopping her down — a good tactic but one that gave Dayton several free kicks. While Gregg had the ball at her feet very little, she made most of her chances count. The Flyers are clearly more dangerous when Showtime Gregg is more involved, but even on a two-goal and one assist afternoon, the Flyers didn’t do a strong job of sending her balls that settled into her wheelhouse. Dayton’s chances increase exponentially when she receives nice long balls that sail over the defense and give her a chance to outmuscle opponents for. For her efforts on Sunday however, Gregg earns her first UDPride Player of the Game award of the season.

Beth McHugh continues to make great progress at right fullback, and played one of her strongest games to date. McHugh, a former state finalist in HS track, showed off her wheels on several occasions and has outstanding closure speed as a first-year player. She tracked down several threatening loose balls with her speed that would have been more troubling for other players.

Dayton needed a win against the Bobcats and took care of business, while Missy Gregg had a big afternoon after two consecutive scoreless games. Dayton took nine corner kicks while only allowing the Bobcats one — another promising sign. The Flyers must continue to improve and chalk up the winnable games — all of them — as the season continues. Consistency and aggressiveness have been a fulcrum all year. When the Flyers play physical for an entire 90 minutes, they are at their best and stand a good chance of winning. Without these things, the Flyers have struggled and/or lost. Dayton has been without standout freshman Judi Aschenbrener since the opening game, and a recent injury to Liz Brown kept her out of Sunday’s contest. Shannon Kuhl and Lesley Battison are also sidelined. Other players must step up and fill the void.

The Flyers open the A-10 schedule on Wednesday with a critical match at Xavier. The Muskies are primary contenders for the A-10 title along with UMass and Dayton. Several recent matches between Xavier and Dayton have been epic contests so it’s a superb opportunity to take an early lead in the league race. Dayton returns home next Sunday for a 1pm contest against Air Force.