ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland and IU Indy fought to a tense 0-0 draw in a Horizon League men's soccer match on September 28, 2024, at Oakland Soccer Field. A strong defensive showing by both teams, particularly the goalkeepers, kept the scoreboard empty despite numerous scoring opportunities, especially in the second half.

The game's first shot on target came early, with IU Indy's Gijs Velings testing Oakland goalkeeper Alex Flowers just two minutes in. Flowers was sharp, diving low to his right to deny Velings' effort. The Jaguars continued to press, but Oakland's defense held firm. One of the best opportunities of the first half came when IU Indy's Bali Esquivel unleashed a well-placed shot in the 45th minute, but Flowers made an agile stop, tipping the ball around the post to maintain the deadlock heading into halftime.

In the second half, Oakland ramped up its offensive pressure, firing 11 shots compared to just two in the first period. Early on, Luke Benford had a shot saved by IU Indy's Mason Taylor, who reacted quickly to block a well-driven attempt in the 47th minute. Moments later, Jack Klomparens saw his shot blocked, and Benford followed up with another effort on goal that was again thwarted by Taylor.

Oakland's best chances came as the game progressed. In the 67th minute, Klomparens forced Taylor into a reflex save after a quick counter-attack, and minutes later, he tested the keeper again with a stinging shot that was parried away. Julian Kanzler's powerful strike in the 85th minute looked destined for the back of the net, but Taylor made a remarkable diving save to his left to keep IU Indy level.

Defensively, Oakland's Alex Flowers continued his stellar performance. In the 89th minute, he produced a game-saving moment, reacting with cat-like reflexes to stop a close-range shot from IU Indy's Mano Karjian. Earlier in the second half, he had acrobatically punched away a dangerous curling shot from Ethan Vermillion in the 58th minute, ensuring that Oakland remained in contention.

Despite the relentless pressure from both teams, the game ended in a goalless draw. Oakland's 13 shots, with six on target, kept Taylor busy, while IU Indy managed 10 shots with four on target. The Golden Grizzlies dominated in corner kicks with nine, while IU Indy had none.

Taylor finished with six crucial saves, while Flowers recorded four—each save more impressive than the last, as he kept the Jaguars' offense at bay. Both teams leave with a point, with Oakland improving to 3-4-2 overall and 1-0-2 in conference play, while IU Indy drops to 3-4-2 and 0-2-1 in the Horizon League.

Oakland will look to build on this performance in their next match against Milwaukee on the road on Oct. 5.