ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies welcome a two-game homestand this week as Youngstown State (YSU) and Robert Morris (RMU) make their way to Rochester.

Oakland is looking for a breath of fresh air after going 0-2 during its Wisconsin road stint, falling 0-1 to both Milwaukee and Green Bay.

Still in search of their first conference points, the Golden Grizzlies continue to be anchored by their defense, ranking fifth in saves (13) among Horizon League teams during conference play. With the defense continuing to hold strong, Oakland's offensive attack will be the next step as the Golden Grizzlies look to make a postseason push.

Thursday, Oct. 1 vs. Youngstown State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+

The Penguins travel to Rochester to take on Oakland on Thursday. YSU has been a strong team in conference play so far this season, holding a 2-0-1 record. In their most recent match, the Penguins secured a 3-0 win over Purdue Fort Wayne.

During conference play, YSU ranks second in the Horizon League in shots (47), shots on goal (22) and goals (6). With three players — Ghita Haouzi, Sara Felder and Kamryn Rose, each recording two goals, the Penguins have multiple players who can make an impact offensively.

Thursday will be the first time the two squads face off since Oakland's big upset over the Penguins in the 2025 Horizon League Championship Quarterfinals, where Mallory Anderson scored the game-winning goal in the 98th minute to send Oakland to the semifinals with a 1-0 victory.

Another win over YSU would add to Oakland's strong all-time record against the Penguins, as the Golden Grizzlies have 15 wins and just two losses in 20 all-time meetings. Oakland has never lost to YSU at home, going 9-0-1 in Rochester.

Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Robert Morris | 1 p.m.

The Colonials enter the week 2-1 in conference play and 5-4-1 overall. Their conference wins have come consecutively, as they defeated Purdue Fort Wayne 2-0 on Sept. 24 before earning a 1-0 win over Cleveland State on Sept. 27.

RMU prides itself on a staunch defensive unit, having allowed the second-fewest goals (9) of any team in the conference and just one goal across three conference matches.

Goalkeeper Emma Cameron has been the catalyst for that defense, allowing just five goals and registering five shutouts on the season, both of which rank second in the conference.

If Oakland can find a way past Cameron, it will have a shot at securing conference points, as RMU's offense has taken just 87 shots this season, ranking 10th in the Horizon League. Oakland, meanwhile, has taken an aggressive approach offensively, tallying 100 shots, which ranks seventh in the HL.

In six all-time head-to-head matchups, Oakland has emerged victorious against RMU four times, including a 3-2 win in Moon Township last season.

Oakland continues its push for a postseason spot this week, with two opportunities to gain momentum against conference foes.