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ROCHESTER, Mich. - Matt Rickard scored a goal in the second half to lead Oakland to a 1-1 draw in its league opener with UIC in men's soccer action Friday night at the Oakland Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies outshot the defending Horizon League regular-season champions 15-12 in the match.

"We are disappointed with our record but we knew moving forward that this is a new season and no better way to come out against an excellent UIC team, the defending Horizon League champions," said head coach Eric Pogue. "It was an excellent game. I am proud of the boys' effort. We recommitted to the things that make Oakland soccer successful: team defending, heart, effort, grit. We play like that we have a chance to be a good team."

Down 1-0 in the second half, Rickard received a long ball from Cody Archibald and was able to chip it over the keeper in the 66th minute to tie the match. The Flames would score the opening goal in the 27th minute as Jesus Torres sent a cross into the box that was headed in by Jose Fuentes.

The Golden Grizzlies will travel to rival Detroit on Wednesday for another Horizon League match beginning at 4 p.m. at Titan Field.

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