COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) -- The Ohio State men's soccer team, fresh off its Big Ten Championship triumph, faced its biggest challenge yet as they sought to make history with their first NCAA Championship title. With hopes high, the reigning champions prepared to clash against the 2020 National Champions, Marshall, on December 13, 2024, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. "We want to be the last team standing, and that's all we care about," said head coach Brian Maisonnueve.
Initially, the stage was set for the Buckeyes (16-1-4), who entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and boasted impressive credentials, including the Big Ten regular season title and tournament victory. Their historic run, though, was marred by the unfortunate news surrounding Nathan Demian, OSU's redshirt junior defender, who was recovering from serious injuries following being shot in Columbus.
Earlier this week, coach Maisonnueve remarked on his team’s readiness to compete, sharing, "This group doesn't get too high and doesn't get too low. I think they're ready." His confidence would be tested against the Thundering Herd.
The kickoff time for the much-anticipated semifinal was set for approximately 7:30 p.m. ET, with broadcasts available on ESPNU, where fans could follow every moment of the action as the teams squared off for NCAA glory. But beyond the tactics and strategies, the emotional weight of the game rested heavily on the players—a burden shared by those not on the field. Demian, unable to physically join his teammates due to his hospitalization, motivated them from afar, providing encouragement even as he focused on his own recovery.
Just days before the match, police revealed details about the shooting incident involving Demian. Struck by stray gunfire from crossfire between two vehicles, he faced life-threatening injuries yet managed to share words of motivation through social media. "I really wish I could be with you guys in Cary right now, but just having those moments before you all left really meant the world to me," he insisted, underscoring the unity and spirit of the team.
Sadly for the Buckeyes, their dream season came to an abrupt end on the night of the semifinal. Despite dominating possession and outshooting Marshall 20-8, Ohio State failed to convert any chances, resulting in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss. The game's early momentum shifted quickly when Tarik Pannholzer scored for Marshall just under seven minutes after the kickoff. A missed opportunity by David Ajagbe, whose shot hit the crossbar, coupled with miscommunication on defense, allowed the Herd to hold their lead.
Marshall's goalkeeper, Aleksa Janjic, put on a masterful performance, thwarting all five shots on target during the game, and ensuring the Thundering Herd secured their victory. Despite frustration on the field, the emotional connection between the players and Demian shone through. They honored his absence by wearing "Do It For Dolla" shirts—"Dolla" being Demian's nickname—during warmups and displaying his number on their uniforms.
Even with the loss, Ohio State's season has been one of the best in program history, achieving significant milestones. They walked away from the 2024 season with the Big Ten championship title and unmatched regional success, having reached the College Cup for only the second time ever.
Marshall proceeded to defeat the University of Vermont, clinching their second national title under the guidance of coach Chris Grassie, who previously led Marshall to victory in 2020 as well. The heartbreak of the sudden elimination pushed the Buckeyes to reflect on their season and set new aspirations for the future.
Demian’s recovery process remains under focus, with him reportedly recovering remarkably well, attributed to his family’s presence and supportive messages from teammates and fans alike. His promise to join them next time gave hope to fans eagerly waiting to see what the future holds for the Buckeyes.
And as the team disperses for the off-season, they carry with them the lessons learned and the memories forged during this unforgettable chapter of their history. The Ohio State men's soccer team might have missed their championship chance this time, but with dedicated players like Nathan Demian leading them from the sidelines, fans can expect even greater things to come.
