Men's Soccer Heads to Wright State with Postseason Hopes on the Line

ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies head to Dayton, Ohio, for a pivotal Horizon League regular-season finale against Wright State, with a spot in the Horizon League Championship on the line this Tuesday.

Oakland enters the final match sitting eighth in the conference standings with 12 points, two points behind Wright State, which currently occupies the sixth and final postseason position with 14 points. The Golden Grizzlies need a victory to advance into the Horizon League Championship bracket, making Tuesday's matchup a must-win contest for Oakland.
Both teams have plenty to play for, as the final standings will determine which programs continue their seasons in the conference tournament.

The Golden Grizzlies will look to carry their defensive identity into one of their biggest matches of the season. Oakland has allowed just seven goals through nine Horizon League matches, the third-fewest in the conference. The defensive unit has also helped Oakland rank second in the league in save percentage (.844), while its 39 conference saves rank third.

Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Cole Thompson has been a major factor in Oakland's defensive success. Thompson has recorded 50 saves overall, including a career-high 11-save performance against Milwaukee on Oct. 10 and an eight-save, shutout performance last time out against Northern Kentucky (Oct. 30).

Offensively, Oakland will look to get its attack going against a Wright State defense that has allowed 12 goals in conference play. The Golden Grizzlies have scored nine goals in league action, ranking ninth in the conference, but have shown the ability to generate scoring opportunities, recording 113 shots, including 42 on goal.

Wright State presents a formidable offensive challenge. The Raiders lead the Horizon League in goals (18), assists (18) and total shots (133) in conference play. Their 2.00 goals per game in league matches also ranks first, making it imperative for Oakland to maintain its defensive discipline and limit quality scoring chances.

Gabe Gotting leads the Raiders with four goals and nine points, while Cairo Duarte has contributed three goals. Djafar Albadawi has been an important playmaker, pacing Wright State with four assists. Keiji Nakazawa also provides an offensive threat, leading the Raiders with 23 shots and 11 shots on goal.

The Raiders enter the matchup with a 6-7-3 overall record and a 4-3-2 mark in conference play. Their offensive production has been a strength throughout the season, but their defensive numbers leave room for Oakland to capitalize. Wright State has conceded 12 goals in conference play, ranking eighth in the Horizon League in goals allowed.

With both teams fighting for the final postseason position, Tuesday's contest sets up as a big-time matchup between Wright State's high-powered offense and an Oakland defense that has consistently kept conference opponents in check.

Tune into the match at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 in Dayton, Ohio, streamed on ESPN+.

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Players Mentioned

#33 Cole Thompson: GK; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#33 Cole Thompson
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: GK

Players Mentioned

#33 Cole Thompson

Players Mentioned

#33 Cole Thompson