Aug. 31, 2012

Box Score

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Johnny Dreshaj's penalty-kick goal 53 seconds into overtime, secured a 1-0 win for Oakland (2-0) over Cleveland State (1-1) on Friday at the OU Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies outshot the Vikings 18-10.

"I really challenged the guys at halftime to step their game up," said head coach Eric Pogue. "I think in the second half we were excellent. We controlled the play and really limited their opportunities."

It was sweet redemption for Dreshaj who missed a penalty attempt earlier in regulation. Kyle Bethel drew both penalties, including the winner, when his cross attempt was knocked down by the hand of a CSU defender.

After a close first half, Oakland began to put on the pressure in the second half, outshooting CSU 10-4. Bethel came close to breaking the tie with a breakaway shot that was saved. Miche'le Lipari also rattled the near post with a shot in the 86th minute.

Scott Messer made a diving save on a header and stopped a breakaway in the first half to finish with four saves. The Oakland goalkeeper ran his scoreless minutes streak over 180 with his second consecutive shutout to start the season Brad Stuver mad six saves for Cleveland State in a solid goalkeeping performance.

The Golden Grizzlies are back in action on Sunday with a match against Vermont at the OU Soccer Field at 1 p.m.

#FightOakland