Oakland Suffers 1-0 Loss to Western Illinois in Summit League Semis
The Golden Grizzlies outshot the Fighting Leathernecks 15-8.
Jake Przybycien

Jake Przybycien

Nov. 12, 2011

Box Score

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Mitch Hildebrandt had three saves, but the Oakland men's soccer team (6-12-1) fell 1-0 to Western Illinois (12-6-1) in the semifinals of The Summit League Championship on Friday at Durwood Soccer Complex. The Golden Grizzlies outshot their opponents 15-8.

"We fought our hearts out tonight, but couldn't find the goal we needed to tie things up," said head coach Eric Pogue. "It's a bittersweet ending, as we thought we were good enough to win tonight, but we spotted a strong team an early goal on a great shot. We threw everything at them, but couldn't get the goal we needed."

Oakland pressed forward searching for an equalizer and outshot WIU 10-2 in the second half as a result. However, OU was unable to find the back of the net and was shutout for just the fourth time all season . The best chance came in the 85th minute when Konner McNamara came forward and headed a ball that was goal-bound before being cleared off the line by a lunging Western Illinois defender.

"I give credit their goalkeeper and backline," added Pogue. "We had some quality chances on goal, they just didn't concede."

The lone goal of the match came in the 10th minute from Mariano Leo. Alexis Dominguez played the ball to Leo, who hit a shot into the side-netting from nearly 25 yards out.

Both teams finished the night with five shots on goal. WIU goalkeeper Andy Ryan made four for WIU, each team also benefitted from a defensive save.

"I am proud of the teamwork, the effort and the heart that this team and these seniors showed all year," said Pogue. "We have a lot to build on for the future, and I promise we'll only be stronger and more determined next year to get back on top of the Summit League."

 

 

The Golden Grizzlies battled a slow start to win three of their final four matches in league play and advanced to The Summit League Tournament. Oakland's Hildebrandt finishes his career with the fifth most saves in school history.

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