Men's Soccer set for Big Week as they look to Climb League Standings

ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies split games on the road and at home this week as they look to bounce back after a weekend loss on Saturday.

Oakland lost their first conference game of the season on Oct. 5, falling 4-1 to Milwaukee in a rough game on the road.

Just over halfway through the season, the Golden Grizzlies come into the week sixth in the Horizon League (1-1-2 HL). In their loss to the Panthers Oakland had a five game unbeaten streak snapped.

A team full of experienced talent, Oakland is poised to weather the storm of the regular season. A big week could catapult the Golden Grizzlies all the way up to third place in the standings, which would be a huge boost not only for the squad, but also placing them well for a postseason run as they face each of the league's current top four teams in the final stretch of the season.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8 @ DEPAUL | 3 PM

The Blue Demons and the Golden Grizzlies prepare to face off for just the fifth time ever, with DePaul winning four of the five matchups. The teams haven't met in two seasons, last playing in 2022 where the Blue Demons earned a 0-1 win.

DePaul currently sits at 4-4-2 on the year, and fourth place in the Big East Midwest Division.

Looking to extend their unbeaten streak to four games, the Blue Demons most recently outplayed conference opponent Creighton 2-0 on the road.

While similar in many categories, the Golden Grizzlies have held their opponents to two less goals than DePaul has (14-to-16), and has a slight upper hand in aggressiveness on the offense as well, having put 50 shots on goal to DePaul's 44 on the season.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12 vs PURDUE FORT WAYNE | 1 PM

Oakland closes the week with a big-time matchup against the Mastodons, who currently sit atop the Horizon League standings with a 3-1 conference record, most recently beating Robert Morris 2-1 on Oct. 5.

In 11 meetings all-time, Oakland has bested the Mastodons all but twice, holding a 9-1-1 record. Oakland has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings with PFW, including a 2-1 win in Fort Wayne last season.

The Golden Grizzlies look to add a win to an unblemished 5-0 all-time home record against the Mastodons as well.

A strong team on both sides of the ball, PFW ranks second in the conference in goals (22), shots on goal (65), and goals allowed (10).

In what is sure to be an offensive duel, Mastodon's pair of top ten goal scorers in Shane Anderson and James Maxwell face off against Oakland's deep front line featuring Andrew Darakdjian, who ranks first in shots per game and top ten in assists, and Jack Klomparens who ranks in the top ten of shots and shots on goal.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Klomparens: F; Sophomore

#23 Andrew Darakdjian: F; 5' 11"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Klomparens
: Sophomore
: F

#23 Andrew Darakdjian
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: F

Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Klomparens

#23 Andrew Darakdjian

Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Klomparens

#23 Andrew Darakdjian