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ROCHESTER, Mich. - Gerald Ben scored with just 35 seconds left in the second overtime to lead top-seeded Oakland over Cleveland State, 2-1, in the semifinals of the Horizon League Championship Thursday night at the Oakland Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies advance to the championship game on Saturday at 6 p.m.

"Tonight's performance by our team epitomizes what Oakland men's soccer is all about," said head coach Eric Pogue. "We faced adversity by going 1-0 down in the first half to an excellent Cleveland State team. At half time we addressed some key tactical points and, as usual, the team responded by playing arguably the best second half of the season. Coming back to win the game late in overtime is no shock to me or my staff because these young men have so much passion and spirit."

With the match just seconds away from going to penalty kicks, Ben received a loose ball from John DeLeon to the left side of the box and sent it into the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

Trailing 1-0 in the second half, a Viking foul gave the Golden Grizzlies a free kick at the top of the penalty box in the 72nd minute. Matt Dudley would make a dummy run followed by Gavin Hoy sending a low kick to the right post for the equalizing goal.

Cleveland State scored the opening goal in the 33rd minute as Sergio Manesio got the ball in the box, made a move to his right and shot to the far-left post for his fifth of the season.

"Now we have earned the opportunity to play in the championship game on Saturday night on our home field in front of our family, friends and fans with a chance to win a Horizon League tournament and a berth to the NCAA Tournament, something we earned by winning a regular-season title," added Pogue. "We are extremely proud of our men, but our mission is not yet complete, as we face a very tough Wright State team. They are very talented and very well coached."

Oakland will play No. 3 seed Wright State as the Raiders earned a spot Saturday's championship game with a 2-0 victory over No. 2 seed University of Detroit Mercy earlier in the day. The Horizon League Championship will be played at the Oakland Soccer Field starting at 6 p.m. and can also be seen on ESPN3 with Neal Ruhl on the call.

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