Box Score | Photo Gallery

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Behind a solid defensive effort anchored by Alison Holland, the Oakland women's soccer team held Illinois scoreless in regulation before falling in overtime, 1-0, Sunday afternoon at the OU Soccer Field. Holland faced 29 shots making 10 saves as the Golden Grizzlies held Jannelle Flaws, the nation's leading scorer last season, without a tally before surrendering the golden goal in the 98th minute.

"We gave it everything we had and actually put ourselves in a good position to win and get three points in overtime," said head coach Margaret Saurin. "We created two chances early before Illinois put their chance away. We could have come away with a win but it is a game of chances that you have to take but unfortunately, we didn't and they went down and scored on the other end."

In final minutes of regulation, Illinois turned up the pressure but the defense stood tall blocking a shot and breaking up two corner kick set pieces. Holland made two saves and got some help as Illinois' Conine Casey placed a bouncing header off the right post in the 88th minute.

Oakland's two good chances to win came in overtime. Jenna Taylor got into the box on the right as Illinois keeper Michelle Denley came out for the challenge. Taylor got around Denley and moved to the open net but could not get a shot off as the last defender raced in and broke up the opportunity.

In the 93rd minute, Vlad Gurovski broke into the top of the box making an extra touch to get past Denley's challenge. However, she barely missed with a low shot to the right side of the open net as a defender closed in.

In the 97th minute, Nicole Breece broke in alone down the left side heading towards the goal. Holland came out to cut off the angle but Breece fired a well placed shot into the upper right corner of the net giving the Fighting Illini the 1-0 win.

Oakland concludes its home stand with a match against Michigan State on Tuesday, Sept 2nd at 7 p.m.

#FightOakland