ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Golden Grizzlies extended their unbeaten streak against Detroit Mercy to 15 matches, finishing tonight's game in a 1-1 draw.
Oakland had one of their most aggressive showings of the season, recording season-highs in shots (22) and shots on goal (9) in the high-stakes rivalry match.
Oakland took control early when in the 22nd minute
Tim Allos converted a penalty kick, putting them ahead 1-0. This marked Allos's fifth goal of the season, team-best and third-most in the Horizon League.
Noah Roka and
Abdul Al-Rashed each added shots on goal in the first half, making their stake as contributors as they pushed the pace of play all night on the edges of the pitch.
The half concluded with the Golden Grizzlies holding a 1-0 advantage, as both teams were tied in the shots category with six attempts. Oakland would put four of their opening attempts on goal to just one by the Titans.
The second half started with Oakland displaying offensive initiative, consistently pressing forward.
Andriy Bilous and
Julian Kanzler each recorded multiple attempts, with Oakland earning several corner kicks to maintain pressure. The Titans would equalize in the 59th minute as they drew a penalty in the 18-yard box, paving the way for a John Palomino goal to know the score.
Oakland continued to push for an equalizer, with shots from
Jace Foster and Allos forcing saves from the Titans' Quinn Tews.
Jack Klomparens came closest to a game-winner, drawing a one on one opportunity on goal, but Tews would tip the ball just past the far post to deny the chance. The half closed with Oakland's persistent attack, yet no additional goals were scored as the match ended with a 1-1 tie.
Allos scored one goal on three shots, all of which were on target, adding to his season total and tying him for the most goals in conference play (3) of any Horizon League player. Klomparens led the team with four shots, two on goal, while Roka added three shots, two on goal, bolstering the defensive efforts.
The next challenge for Oakland comes on October 14, as they travel to Huntington, WV, to face #17 ranked Marshall University.
