Sept. 25, 2009
Box Score
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Freshman Johnny Dreshaj scored the game-winning goal in the 77th minute and sophomore goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt earned his second shutout of the season, as the Oakland University men's soccer team (4-3-1, 1-0 Summit League) defeated Oral Roberts (2-4-1, 0-1 Summit League) 1-0 Friday afternoon at the OU Soccer Field.
"As a league-opening game, we'll definitely take the win, but we're going to have to continue to make strides to improve as the season continues," said head coach Eric Pogue. "I thought we came out flat in the first half and didn't match the energy ORU had and we were lucky to go into halftime tied at zero. But big credit is due for the players who came into the second half. The adjustments we set into motion made us look like a totally different team."
Neither team was able to notch a goal in the first half, but Hildebrandt spoiled ORU's chances of getting on the board by making three saves, bringing the score to a 0-0 stalemate after 45 minutes of play.
It would be Oakland that would score the match's lone goal in the second half when senior Stefan St. Louis fired a shot in the box in the 77th minute that was blocked by an Oral Roberts defender. Dreshaj rebounded the ball and buried it into the back of the net to bring the contest what would be its final 1-0 score.
"We played much better in the second half and were able to make use of a great scoring opportunity," said Pogue. "We have to learn to put two solid halves together though, especially with Michigan coming up."
The Golden Eagles held a slight advantage in shots and shots on goal with 14-11 and 5-4, respectively, though Oakland had the edge in corner kicks (4-2) and committed fewer fouls with 10 compared to ORU's 11. Hildebrandt made five saves for the match to preserve the shutout.
The Golden Grizzlies will next welcome cross-town rival Michigan on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. the Ultimate Soccer Arena. The match can be followed on Gametracker at www.ougrizzlies.com.
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