Rochester, Mich. - Oakland will host and play in the first of two semifinals matches on Thursday, as they prepare to take on Purdue Fort Wayne.

With their number one seed in the tournament, Oakland received a first-round bye and hasn't stepped on the pitch in just over a week, coming into their biggest game of the season well rested. Oakland clinched the number one seed and a tournament bye on the last day of the regular season, beating rival Detroit Mercy 2-0 on Nov. 1.

Since their regular season finale, Oakland has had eight student-athletes named to the #HLMSOC All-League Teams and Awards Honors. Mikey Ketteman was named Offensive Player of the Year and All-League First Team, joined by Owen Smith and Jace Foster. Donavan Phillip earned Freshman of the Year honors, while making the All-League Second Team along with Ville Ahola. The All-League Freshman Team included Noah Roka, Carson Ballagh, and Phillip. The regular season champs are looking to add to their already decorated season.

Oakland has had favorable history with their semifinal opponent. Oakland has won four of the last five matchups against the Mastodons, coming into the match with a 9-1-1 all-time record against their divisional foe. Oakland gained that ninth win earlier this season on Oct. 7, where the Golden Grizzlies secured a 2-1 victory on the back of fifth year senior Mikey Ketteman. The Oakland captain scored both of their goals, including a go-ahead penalty kick goal in the 60' minute to raise the Golden Grizzlies to victory.

Oakland will look to lean on their electric offense once again in the upcoming matchup. On Oct., 7 Oakland had more shots (14), shots on goal (6), and corner kicks (5) than the Mastodons. The game was also one of the most physical played by either team as a total of 36 fouls were called, including 11 yellow cards combined and a red card to Purdue Fort Wayne's Juan Romero. 

Oakland has spent their week practicing and sharpening their skills, making sure they are prepared rise to the occasion. The Golden Grizzlies are just two wins away from attaining their second Horizon League Championship title in three years. Oakland also looks to bolster their resume, in hopes of a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Led by Co-Coach of the Year, Eric Pogue, the team is excited and jumping at the chance for success, but with tons of players who have been far in the tournament before, Oakland knows the path to victory is earned one game at a time.

SCOUTING THE MASTODONS

Purdue Fort Wayne reached the semifinals by beating Oakland's cross-town rival, Detroit Mercy 1-0 in the tournament quarterfinals. Marco Valencia scored the game's only goal, punching Purdue Fort Wayne's ticket to the next round.

The Mastodons have two All-League First Team members in defender Soshi Fuijoka and forward Seth Mahlmeister. Their team poses danger on both ends of the field, but has not had any recent luck besting the Golden Grizzlies. Their last win against Oakland came in Oct. of 2012 where they won 1-2 in a home battle.

Oakland and Purdue Fort Wayne face-off on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. in Rochester. Whoever comes out with the victory will await the winner of IUPUI vs Green Bay in the Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Oakland Soccer Field.

FOLLOW OAKLAND 

Student-athletes, parents, and fans can follow women's soccer on social media using @OaklandMSOC on Twitter and Instagram. The Gold Standard Name, Image, and Likeness Marketplace is available to bridge NIL opportunities for student-athletes and can be found here via Opendorse.