YOUNGSTOWN, Oh. — The Golden Grizzlies stunned the Youngstown State Penguins 1-0 on the road, using an overtime, game-winning goal by
Mallory Anderson to advance to the Horizon League Semifinals for the first time since 2021.
The first half began with Oakland establishing their presence on the field as they tested the Penguins' defense. Oakland's
Alli Leonard and
Mallory Anderson each had attempts on goal.
Maryn Weiger, defending Oakland's goal, also remained vigilant, notably saving a shot by the Penguins' Kate Makkas in the 20th minute.
As the half progressed, both teams exchanged opportunities, with Oakland's
Kimee Liu coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute Despite several shots from both sides, the teams entered halftime with a 0-0 scoreline, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
The second half began with Oakland quickly asserting pressure, highlighted by a corner kick at the 46th minute and a subsequent shot by
Anuhea Aluli. Both teams traded chances, but the defenses stood tall, keeping the score even and scoreless.
Oakland continued to press forward, with
Ella Shapiro nearly connecting twice in the second half, nearly scoring on a free kick attempt in the 59th minute, and Liu's shot striking the woodwork in the 87th minute. Despite multiple offensive efforts, the half closed with the scoreboard unchanged, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime began with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Youngstown State applied early pressure, registering three shots within the first seven minutes, including two from Chloe Weiland. However,
Maryn Weiger earned five saves in her third, and most important shutout effort of the season.
Oakland finally came through in the 98th minute as
Brae Cole's shot hit the top woodwork but rebounded to Anderson, who found the back of the net. This goal, Anderson's fourth of the season, secured a 1-0 victory via golden goal for Oakland as the overtime concluded.
The win marked Oakland's first conference tournament win and semifinal appearance since 2021, when they beat Northern Kentucky 3-1 in the Horizon League Quarterfinals.
Weiger recorded five saves over 98 minutes, securing a clean sheet in the team's latest match. Anderson scored the game-winning goal in overtime and led the team with five shots, three of which were on goal. Cole contributed with an assist, adding to the team's offensive efforts. Liu registered three shots, one on target, displaying her activity in the midfield.
The Golden Grizzlies advance another round, setting a date with number one seed Milwaukee in the semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT) in Milwaukee.