Oct. 23, 2010

Box Score | Photo Gallery | Postmatch Interview

PONTIAC, Mich. - Junior Mitch Hildebrandt picked up his sixth shutout of the season, but missed scoring chances caused the Oakland men's soccer team (4-8-2, 1-1-2) to finish with a 0-0 draw with against Western Illinois (3-6-6, 1-2-2) in Summit League action at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas on Saturday night. The Golden Grizzlies had a number of scoring chances, especially in the second overtime period, where OU outshot the visitors 9-3.

"I can't ask for anything more out of my players," said Oakland head coach Eric Pogue. "It was a great soccer game to watch with two good teams battling it out. Both our teams' backs were up against the wall having to get points. I couldn't be prouder of the team. They worked hard both offensively and defensively."

After neither team created a dangerous scoring chance in the first overtime, Oakland claimed the ascendency with a number of chances in the second extra period. It was Senior Night for Oakland and the team's lone senior, Makesi Lewis, nearly netted in the 105th minute, but his curling shot from 12 yards out went just outside the right upper-corner.

Sophomore Tom Catalano had a clear shot on goal in the 106th minute that forced an excellent diving save from WIU goalkeeper Andy Ryan. The rebound of Catlano's shot fell to freshman Andrew Barrett who sent his effort over the bar. Oakland also had a flurry of shots in the final minute with shots by Barrett and sophomore Johnny Dreshaj that were both blocked.

With Oakland threatening and sending players forward, Western Illinois almost snatched a goal against the run of play. Darryl Odom got on the end of a cross, but his sliding effort went wide of the Oakland goal.

With OU tallying a 29-23 advantage in shots, regulation also offered a number of scoring chances for both teams. Catalano could have put the Golden Grizzlies ahead with the first shot of the game, but his volley was well-saved by Ryan. Catalano also sent in a curling shot off a free kick that was just wide of the goal in the first half.

Western Illinois was content to fire in long-range shots in the first half, but did threaten on one occasion in the 36th minute. Mariano Leo intercepted the ball and fired a shot in on goal that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced just in front of the goal line but did not cross. Leo also had a dangerous shot at the start of the second half, but Hildebrandt made a diving save to his left.

Oakland was also denied by the woodwork in the second half, when junior Vuk Popovic hit the crossbar in the 84th minute. The rebound from Popovic's shot fell to Catalano, but he hit his follow-up shot high.

Heading into the match, Hildebrandt ranked second in The Summit League in both total saves and shutouts. He added to both categories with seven saves and a sixth shutout. Ryan made eight stops to remain the league-leader in saves.

"We wanted a win, but the point keeps us alive," added Pogue. "We will head into the Oral Roberts match knowing we need a win."

Oakland remains tied with Western Illinois for fourth place in The Summit League standings with five points, but has played one fewer match than the Leathernecks.

The Golden Grizzlies travel to No. 25 Ohio State for their next match on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Live video streaming of the match will be carried on the BigTenNetwork.com.

-OAKLAND-