Sept. 24, 2008

Box Score

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan scored a goal off a free kick set just three minutes in to the game and held off Oakland University over the next 87 minutes as the 24th-ranked Golden Grizzlies (6-2-0) fell to the Wolverines (6-2-1), 1-0, on Wednesday night at Saline High School in men's soccer action. OU outshot U-M 12-8 in the game, but only managed three on target.

"We gave away a set-piece goal early in the game, but controlled most of the action," said OU coach Gary Parsons. "We created more chances and outplayed them in the midfield. The quality of our finishing really let us down tonight."

Michigan's Mauro Fuzetti scored the only goal at the 2:41 minute mark off a free kick feed from Jake Stacy as Fuzetti headed it in from inside the box. U-M goalkeeper Patrick Sperry made that goal stand up by making three saves in the game.

"Their goalkeeper made a couple of nice saves," said Parsons. "We could have done more with our opportunities in the box. From a stand point of playing good soccer, we were pleased, but it's always disappointing when you don't win those games."

Junior Sebastian Harris led the charge with five shots, two on goal, including a nice header towards the top corner of the net in the 41st minute that the Wolverines' Sperry steered away to keep the one-goal lead in tacked. Senior Piotr Nowak tallied four shots for Oakland.

The Golden Grizzlies will host Summit League opponent Western Illinois (6-1-0) this Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Ultimate Soccer Arena. That match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start and can be followed via live stats.

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