Nov. 22, 2008

Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Redshirt Freshman Mitch Hildebrandt made three saves in 110 minutes of play, while senior Piotr Nowak fired five shots on goal, but the Oakland University men's soccer team (14-4-2) was unable to find the back of the net, battling Ohio State to a draw on Saturday in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on the OU Soccer Field. Ohio State advanced to the second round on penalty kicks after securing a 4-3 advantage in kicks.

"As they say, if you don't put the ball in the back of the net, you don't win," said head coach Gary Parsons. "That was how it ended up today. We had our chances, and we had plenty of them, we just couldn't get it in the back of the net."

The Golden Grizzlies held an 18-9 advantage on shots, including a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. Oakland carried play over the majority of the contest, and held an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks.

Nowak fired five shots, while Sebastian Harris fired four shots, two on goal. OU had several opportunities on the offensive end, with their best opportunity coming in the 32nd minute as Harris' shot caromed off the crossbar. However, both defenses were able to keep the pressure off their keepers in the closing minutes of overtime.

The loss ends the season for the Golden Grizzlies, while the Buckeyes will advance to play at Akron at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

-30-