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ROCHESTER, Mich. - Gerald Ben recorded a goal and an assist and was named the Tournament MVP as the Oakland men's soccer team won the Horizon League Championship, 2-1, over Wright State Saturday night at the Oakland Soccer Field. It is Oakland's first-ever Horizon League Championship and first berth in the NCAA Tournament since 2010.

"I always believed in this team and despite some early season adversity, we really persevered and without that maybe we aren't standing here," said Horizon League Coach of the Year Eric Pogue. "One through 29 these guys believed in what we were doing. When we reevaluated what we needed to do in our commitment to team defending, every guy accepted their role in that process. If we do not go through those trials and tribulations and come out strong on the other end we probably aren't sitting here. You have to credit everyone, the coaching staff, the support staff and the players for really believing and making this a reality."

The Golden Grizzlies wasted little time scoring their first goal as Joey Tinnion received a low cross to the left post from Matt Dudley and Ben in the sixth minute and put it in the back of the net to go up 1-0.

In the 35th minute, Tinnion would be fouled in the box to set up a penalty kick. Ben stepped up and converted his third PK of the season to the left side of the net to give Oakland a 2-0 advantage.

Wright State would cut the lead in half however in the 73rd minute as Sam Deroy chipped the ball into the box to Marquis Payton who took a shot from close range for his first of the season.

The Golden Grizzlies advance to their sixth NCAA Tournament since 2000 and win its third league tournament title in the last eight years.

Ben, John DeLeon, Gavin Hoy and Cody Archibald were named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team.

Oakland will find out its NCAA Tournament opponent on Monday at 1 p.m. during the NCAA Selection show on NCAA.com. Fans and media are invited to watch the selection show with the men's soccer team at the Red Ox Tavern on Walton Blvd. in Auburn Hills.

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