GREEN BAY, Wis. — Oakland's defense stood tall in a 1-0 win over Green Bay on Sunday at Aldo Santaga Stadium, securing their second conference victory of the season. With standout performances on both ends of the field, the Golden Grizzlies frustrated the Phoenix from start to finish.

Oakland (3-8-2, 2-2-0) weathered an early offensive surge from Green Bay, with goalkeeper Julia Zangerl delivering a stellar first half. The senior goalkeeper made five crucial saves before Oakland shifted the momentum. Despite Green Bay's eight first-half shots, Zangerl kept the scoreline level as Oakland worked to find its rhythm.

The game's turning point came late in the first half. After a period of sustained pressure from Oakland, midfielder Shannon Brown struck in the 43rd minute, notching her first goal of the season off a sharp assist from Marina Downing. The clinical finish gave the Golden Grizzlies a vital lead heading into the break.

In the second half, Oakland continued to press, with Lisa Kazandjian and Isabella Bierod testing Green Bay goalkeeper Mallorie Benhart, forcing saves in the 63rd minute. Thai Quallich was also active for the Golden Grizzlies, recording two shots, including a close effort in the 68th minute that was denied by Benhart.

Frankie Mudd, who had two shots on the day, nearly doubled Oakland's lead in the 82nd minute, but her shot flew just over the crossbar. Oakland's defense, anchored by Gabby Ruffino and Putri Sazali, held firm under late pressure from the Phoenix to secure the shutout.

Oakland finished with eight total shots, four of which were on target, while Green Bay managed 12 shots but only five on frame. Zangerl, who played all 90 minutes, was a standout, collecting five saves to earn her third shutout of the season. Green Bay's Benhart registered three saves but couldn't keep Brown's effort from slipping past.

The Golden Grizzlies' gritty defense and timely attack were the difference-makers. They did an exceptional job disrupting Green Bay's offensive flow and preventing the Phoenix from capitalizing on their four corner kicks. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the team for coming out strong and getting on the front foot in this match. They fought hard until the final whistle to secure both the win and a shutout," said Oakland Head Coach Devin Zvosec. "Credit to Green Bay—they're a well-coached team, and it was a tough battle. Our group showed grit and determination, playing a solid, complete 90 minutes. Congrats to Shannon Brown on her first goal of the season, and to Marina Downing for notching her first assist as a Golden Grizzly. We earned three crucial points today, and the team is hungry to keep pushing in training this week."

Now with their second league win of the season (2-2), Oakland secures a key win and looks to keep it rolling as they move on to Purdue Fort Wayne to finish their three-game road trip against the Mastodons on Oct. 5.