Oct. 17, 2012
Box Score | Photo Gallery 
ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Kyle Bethel led all players with four shots for Oakland (9-5) in a 1-0 loss to Michigan State (6-7-1) on Tuesday night at the OU Soccer Field. It was the first home loss of the season for the Golden Grizzlies, who still boast a 6-1 record at home.
"There is a lot of familiarity between these two programs," said Oakland head coach Eric Pogue. "I think we were just a bit flat today and they capitalized on a mistake by us when we let the ball drop in the box. Other than that the end product was disappointing today."
After a scoreless first half, the Golden Grizzlies enjoyed an extended period of sustained pressure. However, Oakland could not find the back of the net coming closest when Jeff Cheslik headed the ball just wide of the goal. OU also had a pair of penalty appeals denied when Bethel appeared to be taken down in the box.
Despite the strong start to the half, the match turned on a goal by MSU in the 72nd minute. Ryan Thelen delivered long throw-in and the ball bounced inside the penalty area before falling to Domenic Barone, who connected for a looping header into the far post.
Bethel had OU's best chance in the first half when he spun and hit a hard shot that forced a good save from MSU goalkeeper Zach Bennett. Raphael Reynolds also had a shot saved by Bennett in the first half, as the Spartan netminder finished with three saves. Oakland goalkeeper Scott Messer logged four saves including a key tip over the bar.
The Golden Grizzlies will attempt to bounce back on Saturday with a road match against Fort Wayne that kicks off at 8 p.m. The match is a doubleheader with the OU women's soccer team.
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