ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Purdue University Fort Wayne on Saturday at Oakland Soccer Field, using a relentless offensive attack, firing 24 shots and netting two second-half goals, to earn their first conference win of the season.
The first half began with Oakland showing early offensive pressure as
Isabella Bierod and
Brae Cole both tested the Mastodons' goalkeeper, Jordan Imes, with shots on target. Despite the pressure, PFW took the lead in the 17th minute when Cyann Retzloff gave the Mastodons a 1-0 lead.
Oakland quickly responded to the setback, equalizing just after the 31-minute mark when
Alli Leonard converted a penalty kick. The goal marked Leonard's first goal of the season.
Maryn Weiger made crucial saves to keep PFW from regaining the lead, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Oakland turned the pressure up in the second half, highlighted by several early corner kicks and attempts on goal.
Bailey Giddings and Bierod led the charge with shots that tested the PFW defense, including a notable save by Imes on a shot from
Kimee Liu at the 61st minute. The persistence paid off when Liu broke through in the 72nd minute with a go-ahead goal through traffic, assisted by Leonard, giving Oakland a 2-1 lead.
The momentum continued as
Rose Gevanthor capitalized just three minutes later with a strike of a goal from outside the 18-yard box to extend Oakland's advantage to 3-1. This was Gevanthor's second career goal, and her first this season. The Mastodons managed a few attempts on goal, but Weiger closed out the match strong, tallying four saves.
Oakland's three goals marks the second most in a single game for them this season, trailing only the four goal performance against Mercyhurst (8/21).
Liu scored the game-winning goal and led Oakland with four shots, three of which were on goal. Gevanthor contributed a goal and added one assist to her stat line. Leonard finished with a goal and an assist while taking seven shots, three of which were on target.
Looking ahead, Oakland will defend their home turf for the second consecutive match, hosting Green Bay on Oct. 9. The match is set for 7 p.m. at Oakland Soccer Field in Rochester, Mich.
