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UNLEASH THE GRIZZ

Oakland University Athletics

Scoreboard

WSOC vs EMU
0
Oakland OAK (0-2-1, 0-0-0)
1
Winner Akron AKRON (2-0-1, 0-0-0)
Oakland OAK
(0-2-1, 0-0-0)
0
Final
1
Akron AKRON
(2-0-1, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Oakland OAK 0 0 0
Akron AKRON 0 1 1

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | Jordan Nelson

Women's Soccer Drops Game One of Ohio Road Trip to Zips

AKRON, Oh. - The Golden Grizzlies traveled to Akron for their first stop of a two-game Ohio road trip to take on the Zips.in a hard-fought women's soccer match at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The game was closely contested from the start, with both teams showing solid defensive stature, cutting off runs and making top-notch tackles. Akron, however, began to edge out Oakland in attacking opportunities as the game progressed, out shooting Oakland five to one in the first half.

The pivotal moment of the match came just minutes into the second half, where in the 47th minute, Akron's Ella Hadley found the back of the net, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from Rachel Wenzel to go up 1-0.

Playing from behind, Oakland sparked some energy and created three of their four total shots of the game in the second half.The game nearly changed in the 60th minute as Oakland's Lisa Kazandjian initiated  a counter-attack after an Akron shot, nearly leading to the equalizer for the Golden Grizzlies as her shot smacked the crossbar, coming just inches away from tying the game.

Oakland continued to play with pace and aggression, earning a couple more chances to tie the game. In the 77th minute Frankie Mudd took her shot at the equalizer, sending a hard-struck ball to the bottom corner of the goal where Akron's Sara Bower was able to lay out and prevent the shot. The final chance for Oakland came in the closing minutes, where Gabby Ruffino fired away in the 88th minute, missing just wide as Oakland fell 1-0 at the final.

In terms of set-pieces, Akron earned the upper hand, reaching 7 corner kicks compared to Oakland's 4. These corners contributed to Akron's sustained pressure on the Oakland defense, but Julia Zangerl stood tall, making six crucial saves on seven Akron shots on goal, keeping her team in the game. 
Despite the one goal difference the teams shared relatively equal possession, with Akron holding 55% and Oakland 45%. Oakland pushed hard for their moments, but fell just a few chances short.

The match was also marked by physical play, with both teams committing a total of 19 fouls. Oakland generated four shots, two on goal on the night, while Akron registered a total of 15 shots throughout the match, seven on target. Mudd and Shannon Brown contributed both of Oakland's shots on goal, while Kzandjian took a shot as well, continuing an early stretch of team-leading play from all three players.

"Credit to Akron. They were a good side that played with energy and passion," said Oakland Head Coach Devin Zvosec. "We had some bright spots building through the thirds but couldn't find that quality in the final third. We are still looking for someone to take control and put the ball in the back of the net. I'm proud of the girls for their effort in fighting back after conceding an unfortunate goal, now we have another opportunity to go again against a strong Kent State side."

The Golden grizzlies look to bounce back on Sunday, Aug. 25 as they play the final game of their quick road trip against Kent State at 1 p.m.
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