DEKALB, Ill. – After a tough fought 90 minutes at Northern Illinois, Oakland fell 2-1 in the NCAA Tournament First Round. 

NIU scored four minutes into the game off a cross that was volleyed past Goalkeeper Finn Jurak. NIU added another goal at 14 minutes off a throw-in that was turned and crossed into the box.

The Golden Grizzlies retaliated as Charlie Braithwaite had an excellent cross from the goal line, saved by the goalie at 25 minutes in, followed by a firm header from Reid Sproat into the left woodwork. At 35 minutes in, Jurak had a great save to ensure Oakland stayed in the game. 

A penalty kick was called on NIU player Dylan Banker, and at 69 minutes, Noah Jensen fired a bullet of a penalty kick into the bottom right corner, putting Oakland on the scoreboard. 

Eight minutes later, Banker had another foul resulting in a penalty kick for Oakland. Jensen picked a different spot on the goal and sent another powerful shot into the goal. The referee called this goal back because the ball moved off the dot due to wind, and Jensen had to retake the kick. The senior's third penalty attempt was deflected by the leg of the NIU goalie's and did not enter the goal. 

Oakland concluded a remarkable season as regular season and Horizon League Champions and made an NCAA First Round appearance.