Sept. 18, 2011

Box Score

CINCINNATI, Ohio - A 90th-minute goal by Jeff Cheslik forced overtime and Konner McNamara scored the match-winner for the Oakland University men's soccer team (1-5-1) in a 2-1, double-overtime win at Cincinnati (3-4-0) on Sunday at Gettler Stadium. After Cheslik's late equalizer, McNamara headed in the winning goal to clinch the Golden Grizzlies' first victory of the year.

"I can't say enough about the resilience, hard work and perseverance of these men," said Oakland head coach Eric Pogue, "Not once did they ever give up, quit or stop working for each other during this tough stretch of results. They stuck together and believed in themselves and each other."

After Oakland dominated for much of the overtime period, McNamara finally came away with the breakthrough, as he scored the golden-goal winner in the 105th minute. Jon Evans swung in a cross and McNamara out-leaped the defenders to head the ball into the back of the net.

Cheslik netted the match-tying goal for Oakland with just 20 seconds left in the second half to force overtime. A long throw from the Golden Grizzlies bounced around the penalty area and Cheslik was in the right place at the right time, to head in his third goal of the season.

In the first overtime period, Jon Evans nearly won the match for Oakland with free kick that curled over the Cincinnati wall, but clattered off of the crossbar. In the second overtime period, Cody Archibald had his shot saved and Josh Bennett just missed on the follow up effort, which was deflected over the crossbar. The Golden Grizzlies outshot Cincinnati 5-1 in the overtime periods.

"I am not sure if I can think of a game when I've been more proud of a team that I've coached," said Pogue. "They earned a win today against a very good, athletic and well-coached Cincinnati team. It's exactly what this team needed headed into Summit League play on Friday, to be rewarded for all their blood, sweat and tears."

After a scoreless first half, Will Diebold broke the deadlock for the Bearcats in the 67th minute. After controlling a long diagonal pass from Shamar Shelton, Diebold drove the ball towards the Oakland goal and slotted the ball in at the far-post.

Andrew Barrett had Oakland's best chance to score in the first half, after a nice combination play put him into space at the top of the Cincinnatti penalty-area, but he scuffed his shot to the goalkeeper. The Bearcats enjoyed a 13-2 shot advantage in the first half and Oakland goalkeeper Scott Messer had two early saves to keep the match close. Johnny Dreshaj added a key defensive play later in the first half, when he cleared a ball off the line.

Cincinnatti finished with a 23-14 advantage in shots, but only earned a 7-6 edge in shots on goal. Messer had five saves in the Oakland nets, while Joey Barnard finished with four saves in goal for the Bearcats.

"We'll enjoy this win for a day and get refocused on our biggest game of the season at home against Oral Roberts under the lights on Friday night," concluded Pogue.

After playing four consecutive matches on the road, Oakland will return to the friendly confines of the OU Soccer Field for the next match. The Golden Grizzlies will begin Summit League play against Oral Roberts on Friday at 7 p.m.

-OAKLAND-