Oct. 7, 2011
Box Score
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Nicole DeLuca had a goals and an assist to lead the Oakland women's soccer team (4-8-0, 2-0-0) to a 4-1 win over South Dakota (1-8-3, 1-1-1) in a Summit League match on Friday at the OU Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies scored three goals in the second half to cement the win.
"I thought our players worked extremely hard tonight," said Oakland head coach Nick O'Shea. "We kept constant pressure on them and it eventually caused problems. Our sustained pressure led to a number of chances and we were finally able to convert some of those in the second half."
DeLuca gave Oakland the early lead in the 11th minute from the penalty spot. After dribbling past a defender, DeLuca was brought down inside the penalty area and stepped up to convert the spot-kick for the 1-0 lead. Despite an 8-3 edge in first-half shots, Oakland led by just one goal at the half.
Serena San Cartier doubled the Oakland lead in the 73rd minute. Amy Trandell passed the ball to San Cartier who slotted home the breakaway chance. San Cartier picked up an assist on OU's third goal, when her shot was saved before falling to Marlen Knoph who put the ball in the net for a 3-0 lead.
The Golden Grizzlies outshot the Coyotes 14-3 in the second half and 22-6 for the match. Brianna Bowery capped off the Oakland scoring, when she put in a DeLuca cross from a free kick in the 84th minute.
South Dakota continued to battle and scored in the 85th minute. Makena Cameron played Morgan Kayvan through towards goal and the USD striker smashed home a shot from 16 yards out.
In net OU goalkeeper Anne Bershbach had two saves and did not allow a goal in nearly 78 minutes of work. Mackenzie Viktor had seven saves in goal for South Dakota.
"South Dakota is a talented young team," said O'Shea. "They hung tough, moved the ball well and fought the whole match."
Oakland is back in action on Sunday with UMKC on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the OU Soccer Field. It will be a battle of two teams that have are unbeaten in Summit League play.
-OAKLAND-
