ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Oakland Golden Grizzlies lost to Cleveland St. 2-0 on Saturday at Oakland Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies were outshot 19-8 and put three attempts on goal. Keeper
Norah Schmidt did have a solid showing for Oakland, making eight saves.
Brae Cole opened the action with Oakland's first shot, as it sailed just wide in the sixth minute.
The Vikings broke through on Ryleigh Alcala's goal in the 14th minute, taking an early 1-0 lead.
The Golden Grizzlies worked back into the attack with shots from
Isabella Bierod and
Bella Haynes, whose 33rd-minute attempt was saved by Hayleigh Lewis, before earning a corner in the 35th minute. The Golden Grizzlies absorbed late pressure as Schmidt stopped Nicholas at 43:18 and Kyleigh Bathe at 43:24, keeping the deficit at one goal through halftime.
The Golden Grizzlies created sustained pressure while trailing 1-0, earning corner kicks at 70:42 and 77:40 and getting shots from
Sophia Benavides,
Bailey Giddings and
Nicole Grimaldo, with Vikings goalkeeper Hayleigh Lewis saving attempts by Giddings and Grimaldo.
The Vikings made it 2-0 at 85:04 when Ryleigh Alcala scored on a rebound after Schmidt had saved a shot by Cortlyn Hefty. The Golden Grizzlies continued to look for a late response, including Giddings' attempt at 87:39, but the half closed with them falling 2-0.
Norah Schmidt recorded eight saves over 90 minutes, making four in each half.
Bailey Giddings led the Golden Grizzlies with two shots and put one on goal.
Up next, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to face Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.
