ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland will compete against Northern Illinois University on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. CT at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex in the First Round of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament.

Oakland holds a 12-6-2 overall record and defeated CSU 3-1 in the Horizon League Final to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. The regular season and tournament champions look to continue a four-game winning streak. 

Mikey Ketteman leads the team in goals (10), while Noah Jensen tallies seven goals and 12 assists. Dylan Borczak has an essential seven goals and two assists on the season. Oakland averages 1.95 goals per game and ranks 34th nationally. 

Oakland last competed in the NCAA tournament in 2014 and took down Kentucky 2-0 in the First Round. In 2014, Head Coach Eric Pogue was named Horizon League Coach of the Year, earning the prestigious title again this year. Before entering the Horizon League, Pogue was named Summit League Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2012, a true staple in the Oakland program. 

Oakland's opponent, NIU, comes in with a 14-2-2 overall record and as regular season and tournament champions of the MAC. 

Fans can watch the game for free here. The winner of Thursday's game will advance to face No. 5 seed Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 21.