Oct. 1, 2011

Box Score

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Miche'le Lipari had three shots, but a late own goal turned the tide as the Oakland men's soccer team (2-6-1, 0-2) lost, 1-0, to UMKC (4-4-1, 1-0) in Summit League action on Saturday at the Durwood Soccer Complex. The Golden Grizzlies outshot the Kangaroos 11-10.

"This one's a heart breaker," said Oakland head coach Eric Pogue. "Two of the perennial top teams in league battle back and forth for over 80 minutes and to have an unfortunate own goal decide the game hurt."

The goal came in the 81st minute when a cross from 20 yards out was inadvertently deflected by an Oakland defender and into the back of the net.

Lipari had the best chance to score in the 15th minute when he hit a shot that struck the post and bounced out. Johnny Dreshaj hit a follow up effort wide from the rebound. Dreshaj had Oakland's last attempt at an equalizer in the 89th minute, but his shot was saved by Kyle Martin.

"We created enough chances to win, but the ball didn't fall our way tonight," remarked Pogue. "I always ask the guys to walk off the field knowing they gave 110% and they did that tonight and then some. Nothing has come easy for this team this year, so I wouldn't expect any different now."

Defensively, Oakland was bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt as UMKC earned a 5-2 edge in shots on goal. Hildebrandt recorded four saves in his first match since Sept. 4. Kyle Martin recorded two saves to earn the shutout.

"Mitch Hildebrandt in his first game back after injury was special in goal tonight, making three big saves," said Pogue. "He was a key piece to solidifying our backline presence."

Oakland returns to action on Wednesday with a match at Loyola (Ill.). That match will kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Park in Chicago.

"We've backed ourselves into the corner," said Pogue. "But we still hold our own fate in our hands to get to tournament and that's what we will focus on moving forward."

-OAKLAND-