In a little over 70 minutes last Wednesday, Ohio State captain Austin McAnena went from being goalless on the season to the top of the team's scoring charts.
The midfielder netted the Buckeyes' first three goals in their matchup against the Butler Bulldogs at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, which they eventually won 4-1/
It was a day that McAnena wholeheartedly deserved after his performances through the first half of the campaign.
Ohio State's record (4-6-1) may not be one that they are particularly happy with, but their no.11 can certainly be pleased with his season so far.
No matter where he has been on the pitch, McAnena is always the first player his teammates look to. His ability to keep the ball in tight areas coupled with his skill at taking defenders on makes him the undoubted top dribbler for the Scarlet & Gray. Along with that there is the accuracy and quality of his passing, which is probably only bettered by his teammate Louie Berra.
But the match against Bulldogs gave him a chance to show he had an eye for goal as well, and that could prove to be an important part of Ohio State's end to the season.
He already was tied for the team lead in assists with three, but his treble of goals against Butler means he leads the squad in both offensive categories.
Now with McAnena the leader on the pitch and on paper, the hope is that the Buckeyes can kick their form into the next gear as their Big Ten schedule gets in full swing.
Having already lost to Indiana and Michigan respectively, Ohio State's next game against Michigan State is even more important. Starting off 0-3 in the Big Ten is the last thing coach John Bluem and his staff would want, but a win could give the team a huge boost.
With players like McAnena and Chris Hegngi (who scored his first goal of the season over the weekend) beginning to find that net, all signs point to a strong finish to the season for the men from Columbus.
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