MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Despite a valiant defensive effort and several chances on goal, Oakland fell 1-0 to Milwaukee in Horizon League action Thursday night at Engelmann Stadium. The Golden Grizzlies (2-8-2, 1-2 Horizon League) fought hard against the Panthers (4-6-1, 3-0-0) but were undone by a late Panthers goal.

Oakland's defense, led by goalkeeper Julia Zangerl, held strong throughout the first half as Milwaukee applied relentless pressure. Zangerl made four saves in the opening 45 minutes, including critical stops on shots from Kayla Rollins in the ninth minute and Elizabeth Reece in the 42nd minute.

Frankie Mudd was Oakland's most dangerous attacker, testing Milwaukee's defense with three shots on goal. Her first came in the 11th minute, forcing Panthers goalkeeper Parker Donahugh into a diving save. Mudd's second attempt just before halftime went high over the bar. Shannon Brown also had a shot in the 18th minute that soared just above the crossbar as Oakland sought to capitalize on its limited first-half opportunities.

Though Milwaukee dominated possession in the first half, with 57% of the ball and nine corner kicks, the Golden Grizzlies showed resilience, managing to keep the score level at 0-0 heading into the break.

The second half saw Oakland continue to push for a breakthrough. Mudd came close again in the 68th minute with a well-placed shot, but Donahugh was there for the save.

In the 62nd minute is when the Panthers broke through as Kayla Rollins used a free kick outside the box to find a top corner of the goal and give Milwaukee a 1-0 lead. Kimee Liu tried to muster an Oakland response in the 71st minute, but her shot was denied by Donahugh, who was solid throughout.

Defensively, Zangerl kept Oakland in the game with several more crucial saves, finishing the match with six total. Rollins' free-kick goal at the 62-minute mark proved to be the difference, but Oakland remained competitive until the final whistle, pushing forward for a potential equalizer late in the match.

Despite the loss, Oakland's effort was commendable as they held the Panthers to their fewest amount of goals in a Horizon League game this season. The Golden Grizzlies managed seven shots, four of which were on target, compared to Milwaukee's 20 shots. Zangerl's strong goalkeeping performance and Mudd's persistence up front were the highlights for the Golden Grizzlies.

Oakland will look to rebound quickly as they head to Green Bay on Sunday to face the Phoenix in another Horizon League clash.