ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies hit the road Saturday, traveling to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to take on Purdue Fort Wayne as Oakland looks to remain unbeaten in conference play.

Oakland enters Saturday's contest at 3-3-3 overall and 2-0-2 in Horizon League play, earning eight points through its first four conference matches as they sit in the number one spot halfway through the conference slate. 

The Golden Grizzlies have collected points in each of their league contests, including wins over Cleveland State and IU Indy and draws against Northern Illinois and Robert Morris. Oakland most recently fell 2-1 at Michigan on Sept. 29 after a last-minute equalizer was overturned and ruled offsides.

The Golden Grizzlies have scored 13 goals through nine matches, adding 16 assists on 86 shots and 36 shots on goal. Oakland's 16 assists rank among the Horizon League's top team totals, while its 9.6 shots per game rank among the league's top marks as well. 

Defensively, Oakland has recorded two shutouts, including clean sheets against Cleveland State and IU Indy. Goalkeeper Cole Thompson has started eight matches, recording 28 saves as he continues to build a case for keeper of the year.

Purdue Fort Wayne enters the weekend at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in Horizon League play. The Mastodons snapped a four-match winning streak in their last match, falling 2-1 at Detroit Mercy on Sept. 26.

PFW has been one of the Horizon League's most productive offensive teams, averaging just over two goals and 16 shots per game. The Mastodons have scored 16 goals through seven matches and have outshot their opponents 116-52, while their 58 corner kicks are also among the league's highest totals.

Leading the way for the Mastodons is forward Brandon Razo, who has six goals and 12 points through seven matches. His six goals rank among the Horizon League's individual leaders, while his two game-winning goals are tied for the conference lead. Razo enters Saturday having scored in six consecutive matches, providing one of the biggest matchups for Oakland's back line that has only allowed two goals in conference play. Jackson Liley has also been a consistent offensive threat for PFW, recording four goals and eight points on 10 shots, including seven shots on goal.

For Oakland, freshman midfielder Cal Kurzawa leads the Golden Grizzlies with nine points on three goals and three assists. His three goals are tied for the team lead, while his three assists are also tied for the Oakland lead. Christopher Jean-Leger has also scored three goals this season, while Stephen Gilbert has contributed three assists. Kinan Abdulrazzak has added two goals and two assists as Oakland enters the matchup with several players capable of creating scoring opportunities.

The matchup will feature a contrast in offensive styles, with Purdue Fort Wayne bringing one of the league's highest-volume attacks against an Oakland team that is prided on keeping possession and limiting opponents' opportunities.

Saturday's meeting will be an early-season battle between two teams near the top of the Horizon League standings. With both teams looking to strengthen their position in the conference race, kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at the Hefner Soccer Complex.