Detroit, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies played their regular season finale in a prime-time, in-state rivalry game that had heavy playoff implications for both teams.

Detroit struck gold early off a corner kick opportunity. As Titans' freshman Leila Lainer took a good-looking cross and hit a header towards the net, she narrowly missed hitting the crossbar. Before Oakland could locate the errand header, senior Gabby Ketola tapped the ball into the back of the net to give Detroit a 1-0 lead in just minute number three.

Despite being down early, Oakland continued to play with pace and composure, not looking to force any plays. The Golden Grizzlies made several good passes when opportunities arose, they just couldn't capitalize and their runs dissolved on Detroit's final third of the field.

Their aggressiveness paid off late in the opening half, as junior Putri Sazali sent a deep shot over the head of Titans' goalkeeper Jazmine Scott for her first goal of the season, and one of the most important ones of the season, as she knotted the game at 1-1 in the 39' minute.

The first half finished even in the score, and offensive production. Both teams entered halftime with five shots, two shots on goal, and one scored goal a piece.

As the rain began to pour down on Titan Field, Detroit broke the game back open in the 66' minute. Graduate student Hailey Matthews lined up a free kick just outside the box on the right half of the field, and put the ball perfectly into the top left corner of the goal to give Detroit the 2-1 lead.

Looking to tie the game once again, Oakland sophomore Anuhea Aluli had what could've been Oakland's best chance in the 74' minute as she finessed her way into the box for a chance to score. As she struck the ball it sailed just too high above the goal.

With their season potentially on the line, Oakland continued to push the ball down field. Detroit's defense showed to be too compact, and the Golden Grizzlies weren't able to send any successful crosses into the box.

With just 12 seconds left in the game, Oakland had one final chance to secure their league tournament hopes. They brought goalkeeper Julia Zangerl up to take a free kick on Detroit's side of the field. As Zangerl sent the kick into the box, the ball deflected around until Sazali sent the ball towards the net through a crowd, missing just high and ending the game.

Oakland never lost their fight, outshooting Detroit with 13 shots to their eight, four shots on goal to their three, and four corner kicks to Detroit's two.

With the 2-1 win, Detroit secures their spot on the #HLWSOC Championship Tournament. With the loss, Oakland's season has come to an end.

The Grizzlies fought hard to the final buzzer, and just nearly missed their chance at the #HLWSOC Championship.

"Tonight was a very disappointing end to a season that was challenging for us for us from the start, but we are proud of how this team battled all year long, even into the last play and whistle of tonight's match," said Oakland Head Coach Juan Pablo Favero. "While it is hard to draw many positives after losing a match that could have gotten us into the playoffs, we now can only reflect on the totality of the season and encourage the returning players to use the lessons learned, as well as the positive aspects of this year to come back even stronger next year."

Favero showed nothing but gratitude for his team after the tough loss. "For the players who will be moving on from the program, while this is not the ending we had envisioned or hoped for, we are filled with gratitude for their commitment to the program, whether it was for one, five, or any amount of years in between," he said.

This season was one where Oakland was put through tons of adversity and challenges, and the Golden Grizzlies stood together and put forth their best effort every game. The 2024-25 season is now on the clock for the Golden Grizzlies.

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