HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Oakland secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Northern Kentucky University on the road at NKU Soccer Stadium, helping the Golden Grizzlies reignite their run headed into the postseason.

With the win, Oakland jumps up into fifth place in the conference standings, giving the team nine points with two games left to play in the regular season, actually leapfrogging NKU who now sits in sixth.

The match commenced with Oakland taking an early advantage over the Norse. A pivotal moment occurred in the 8th minute when Miller Knestrict scored his first career goal, assisted by Marco Mazzei for his team-best third assist of the year, giving Oakland a 1-0 lead. Oakland maintained their lead through strategic play and defensive efforts, including a crucial save by goalkeeper Cole Thompson in the 38th minute. The half ended with Oakland ahead 1-0.

Oakland extended their lead in the second half with a goal by Andriy Bilous in the 63rd minute, assisted by Gabriel Baylon, bringing the score to 2-0. Despite the Norse's multiple attempts on goal, Thompson made critical saves to maintain Oakland's advantage as he finished the night with three saves and his first career shutout. The half concluded with Oakland ahead, finalizing the score at 2-0, securing their win.

Knestrict scored the game-winning goal, finding the net with his only shot on goal. Oakland made the most of their six shots, putting half of them on goal. The Golden Grizzly defense rose to the occasion, holding NKU to three shots on goal as well, while the other ten of their shots were off-target as they struggled to find successful spaces in the Oakland back line.

Oakland aims to cement their spot in the postseason with a pair of home games to close out the regular season, beginning with a matchup October 31 against Wright State University at 1 p.m.